Classical Liberalism Explained: What It Is, What It Means

Dr. Nigel Ashford explains the 10 core principles of the classical liberal & libertarian view of society and the proper role of government:

1) Liberty as the primary political value
2) Individualism
3) Skepticism about power
4) Rule of Law
5) Civil Society
6) Spontaneous Order
7) Free Markets
8) Toleration
9) Peace
10) Limited Government

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Dr. Ashford is Senior Program Officer at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) at George Mason University.

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[McGrath]

It's so simple. So perfect. It was figured out hundreds of years ago. But we can't seem to figure it out today.

[DarkLordBrannon]

Basically, Classical Liberalism includes the best aspects of Conservatism and Modern Liberalism while rejecting the weaknesses of both. It's also more nuanced, which is the main reason it's not more widely adopted in today's polarized political climate.

[ILIKEARMYS]

I am a classical liberal too, but i sadly say modern liberalism bringing shame to liberalism

[roberth.goddardthefatherof]

Classic Liberalism,

the sanest, most productive and most successful political path.

[rolandmack]

I wish liberals were still like this. 

[myeyeshurt]

It is so clear, so logical, and so straightforward that the question is:- How could you not be a classical liberal?

[Liamfulful]

Classical liberlism - the common sense of politics and freedom!


It amazes me that everyone is not a classic liberal - it ticks all the boxes for beautiful living!

[RiotHouseLP]

Classical Liberalism sounds a lot more like Conservatives and Libertarians today.  Modern Liberals sound opposite to that.  Which begs the question, when did the word Liberalism become a hijacked term?

[CybermanKing]

Classical liberalism > social liberalism.

[craigpsimpson]

For some reason I find this video extremely relaxing.

[miguelangelperezverdin]

the more you know, today I discovered that I am a classic liberal.

[daamazinfatby]

Classical Liberalism is just common sense. Its perfect!

[ImVicBlanco]

I feel so virtous and fullfilled saying I am a Classical Liberal.

[benskelly]

I personally like classical Liberalism... idk why...

[bastiatintheandes]

Life, Liberty, Property and Peace (the right to be left alone)

[droppingnostopping]

I've been a classical liberal my entire adult life, but just now have accepted it.

[LordDirus]

Libertarianism is just a rebrand of Liberalism.

[francieoverman]

This just seems so common sense. It covers social and economic freedom, while keeping a society than can keep its head above water.
Watching this makes me want to press the reset button on the American parties we have right now.

[pokelynke]

Yes. I belive I am a classical libral. The one I agree with most is tolerance. Everyone claims tolerance these days, but then cancels a book writer for saying something transphobic and then ripping her works apart to make it seem worse. If you didn't like what she said or wrote, there's no law that says you have to follow her anymore. Just leave. She has the right to say something. I may not agree with it, but it's what she thinks and what right do I have to say otherwise. What if it's from her religious beliefs? Many of them are against the LBGTQ+ community because they think it's ungodly. Sorry. I get a little upset when I see people say "I'm tolerant", but then get mad at someone's beliefs.

[johnc]

I would like to be more specific regarding the legitimate role of government. Often, classical Liberals and Libertarians say "limited government" and give some general guidelines but aren't very specific.I believe the only legitimate role of government is to protect the right of the people to their own persons and property. You are not allowed to murder, rape, steal, commit fraud, or otherwise infringe on another individual's right I their own person and property. The government enforces this through law enforcement, a judicial system, and a military. They should be able to collect a single flat consumption tax (like a universal sales tax) that is the same rate for everyone in order to pay for these few legitimate roles. Other than that, government has no business getting involved in our lives. Period.