The Essential-Liberalism Manifesto

The Essential-Liberalism Manifesto

 

INTRODUCTION

       The term Essential Liberalism represents the central tenets shared by most mainstream political ideologies in societies that are based on the ideals of democracy and individual liberties. These tenets have evolved over many centuries, and have come to represent the settled wisdom of how people can best live together and govern themselves as free, open, peaceful, and thriving societies. More so than any other political ideology in human history, Essential Liberalism is held to conform best to human nature, and to allow the greatest number of individuals to pursue the realization of their highest aspirations and to flourish. Essential Liberalism provides the proper political, legal, social, and economic framework for creating an environment where such human endeavor can take place. It is the shared belief of those espousing Essential Liberalism that these tenets are ultimately universally applicable, though their particular implementation may vary from one society to another.

       Because alternatives to Essential Liberalism have proven less effective in producing desirable outcomes, and have oftentimes produced highly unfavorable outcomes, societies that do not largely embrace the tenets of Essential Liberalism are considered by those who do to be in need of further development.

       This document, The Essential-Liberalism Manifesto, serves three primary functions: (1) to present the shared ideological tenets most members of liberal democratic societies unite around and hold to be vital and worthy of protection; (2) to provide sufficient scope for the unique implementation of these tenets in different societies; and (3) to highlight what remains to be achieved in societies that lack in them.

 

Page last updated: October 15, 2008