New Liberalism

Abstract

The widespread talk of ‘new’ liberalism quite spontaneously prompts the sceptic to ask what distinguishes ‘new’ liberalism from the ‘old’ version. The answer is obvious: there exists no substantial difference, no difference of principle, between the two liberalisms. Liberalism is one and one alone and it perpetuates itself over time; but each generation has to solve its own problems, which are different from those of yesterday and will be superseded and renewed by the problems of tomorrow. Accordingly, liberals must at all times likewise ask themselves the following question: how can I solve the problems of my time today, in such a manner that the solution adopted will contribute to preserving the supreme good that is the freedom of man, namely his moral and spiritual elevation?

First published in La città libera (Rome), yr.1, no. 1, 15 February 1945.