Modern liberalism Quote by Charles Krauthammer
![“[John Stuart] Mill held that truth emerges from an unfettered competition of ideas and that individual character is most improved when allowed to find its own way uncoerced. That vision was insufficient for 20th-century American liberalism...Modern liberalism's perfectionist ambitions--reflected…” quote by Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec8/charles-krauthammer-1232_truth_john-stuart-mill-held-that-truth-emerges_609228.jpg)
““[John Stuart] Mill held that truth emerges from an unfettered competition of ideas and that individual character is most improved when allowed to find its own way uncoerced. That vision was insufficient for 20th-century American liberalism...Modern liberalism's perfectionist ambitions--reflected in its progenitor (and current euphemism), progressivism--seeks to harness the power of government, the mystique of science and the rule of experts to shape both society and citizen and bring them both, willing or not, to a higher state of being.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on American Liberalism, Charles Krauthammer, 1990s
The quote argues that modern liberalism tries to control society through government, science, and expert rule, limiting individual freedom and self‑direction.
In simple terms: Modern liberalism seeks control via experts and government, limiting personal freedom.
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑reliance on authority; protect individual autonomy.
Themes
politics
philosophy
individualism
government
science
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- public health initiatives
- technology regulation
Key Concepts
liberalism
progressivism
authority
autonomy
self‑direction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance expert guidance with personal freedom?
- When is government intervention justified?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the benefits of coordinated action and expertise in complex problems.
![“Progress never defines its ultimate objective but thrusts its victims at once into an infinite series,' Mr. [John Crowe] Ransom said' 'Industrialism,' he declared, 'is rightfully a menial, of almost miraculous cunning, but no intelligence; it needs to be strongly governed, or it will destroy the…” quote by Richard M. Weaver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/786/richard-m-weaver-7447_community_progress-never-defines-its-ultimate-obje_406113.jpg)
![“I explain how America hatred and Jew hatred are [INDEMIC] to Modern Liberalism and delve deeper into why it is the otherwise good and decent people will INVARIABLY side with evil over good, wrong over right and the behaviors that lead to failure over those that lead to success.” quote by Evan Sayet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea4/evan-sayet-23439_america_i-explain-how-america-hatred-and-jew-hat_174352.jpg)
