For many centuries, every stratum of society in politics has pursued exclusively its own interests, and ultimately, people who could adapt to certain conditions to the maximum extent became the “helm” of government. In the political life of the country, the liberals played a huge role. Who are they? First of all, these are people who were ardent supporters of the reforms, always advocated for the expansion of human rights and freedoms.
Those who have never heard about who such liberals will be interested to know that they first spoke about them in Europe at the turn of the 17-18th centuries. It was then that a sociopolitical movement arose, which was called "liberalism." Subsequently, it was transformed into a powerful ideology. The main value for the liberals was the inviolability of economic, political and civil liberties.
In the Russian language, the word "liberalism" fell at the end of the 18th century. It was translated as "freethinking." During this period of time, the first Russian liberals appeared.
In English, the translation of this word initially had a negative connotation - "connivance", "harmful indulgence", but subsequently it was lost.
And yet, who are the liberals, and what political views did they hold? As already emphasized, the highest value for them was human rights and freedoms. In addition, they advocated private property, while promoting freedom of enterprise.
The aforementioned social political movement was formed as a means of protection from tyranny and atrocities on the part of representatives of the Catholic Church and the totalitarianism of the monarchs. Who are the liberals? These are those who reject the fundamental principles of some theories of the creation of the state, namely the fact that monarchs and kings are the “anointed of God” to the kingdom. They question the fact that religion is the ultimate truth.
Those who have no idea who the liberals are will be interested to know that these people uphold the principle of the equality of all citizens before the law. They are convinced that the authorities should regularly report to the people on the work done.
Moreover, representatives of liberalism are confident that officials should in no way limit human rights and freedoms.
The British liberals had their own point of view on this score. Their ideologist Jeremiah Bentham argued that human rights and freedoms are nothing but the embodiment of evil. However, he adhered to those principles that did not allow one person to suppress the will of another.
“To oppress individuals is a real crime. Do not do this, and you will bring great benefits to society, ”Bentham emphasized.
It should be noted that liberalism in its modern form also zealously defends the ideas of pluralism and adherence to the principles of democracy in the management of society. At the same time, the rights and freedoms of minorities and certain segments of the population must be strictly observed. However, liberals believe that the state should pay more attention to social issues today.
