Basic principles Quote by Friedrich August von Hayek
“There is nothing in the basic principles of liberalism to make it a stationary creed; there are no hard-and-fast rules fixed once and for all. ... Probably nothing has done so much harm to the liberal cause as the wooden insistence of some liberals on certain rules of thumb, above all the principle of laissez faire.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Constitution of Liberty, 1960
Liberalism should stay flexible, not bound by rigid rules; especially laissez‑faire can become a harmful dogma.
In simple terms: Liberalism needs flexibility, not fixed rules.
Key Takeaway
Avoid treating principles as unchangeable.
Themes
politics
philosophy
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- economic regulation
- public debate
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
liberalism
flexibility
dogma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance core values with necessary change?
- When might flexibility become inconsistency?
A Different Perspective
Rigid doctrines can stifle adaptation and progress.
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