--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The root of all evil, the liberal…" description: "\"“The root of all evil, the liberal insists, was precisely this interference with the freedom of employment, trade and currencies practiced by the vario..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a5/karl-polanyi-40143_economic-freedom_the-root-of-all-evil-the-liberal-insists_372435.jpg" --- # The root of all evil, the liberal insists, was precisely… ![“The root of all evil, the liberal insists, was precisely this interference with the freedom of employment, trade and currencies practiced by the various schools of social, national, and monopolistic protectionism since the third quarter of the nineteenth century; but for the unholy alliance of…” quote by Karl Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a5/karl-polanyi-40143_economic-freedom_the-root-of-all-evil-the-liberal-insists_372435.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a5/karl-polanyi-40143_economic-freedom_the-root-of-all-evil-the-liberal-insists_372435.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a5/karl-polanyi-40143_economic-freedom_the-root-of-all-evil-the-liberal-insists_372435.jpg) > ““The root of all evil, the liberal insists, was precisely this interference with the freedom of employment, trade and currencies practiced by the various schools of social, national, and monopolistic protectionism since the third quarter of the nineteenth century; but for the unholy alliance of trade unions and labor parties with monopolistic manufacturers and agrarian interests, which in their shortsighted greed joined forces to frustrate economic liberty, the world would be enjoying today the fruits of an almost automatic system of creating material welfare. Liberal leaders never weary of repeating that the tragedy of the nineteenth century sprang from the incapacity of man to remain faithful to the inspiration of the early liberals; that the generous initiative of our ancestors was frustrated by the passions of nationalism and class war, vested interests, and monopolists, and above all, by the blindness of the working people to the ultimate beneficence of unrestricted economic freedom to all human interests, including their own. A great intellectual and moral advance was thus, it is claimed; frustrated by the intellectual and moral weaknesses of the mass of the people; what the spirit of Enlightenment had achieved was put to nought by the forces of selfishness. In a nutshell this is the economic liberal’s defense. Unless it is refuted, he will continue to hold the floor in the contest of arguments.”” [Karl Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-polanyi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Polanyi argues that economic liberalism is undermined by protective policies and alliances that restrict free trade, preventing material welfare from flourishing. **In simple terms:** Economic freedom is blocked by protective alliances, limiting welfare. Key Takeaway Recognize how protectionist policies can hinder prosperity. Themes economics politics history freedom liberalism Mood critical analytical historical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - policy analysis - academic debate - public discourse - economic reform Key Concepts market dynamics institutional critique class interests Questions to Reflect On - What protections could improve welfare without stifling freedom? - How do modern trade unions fit this critique? 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Everything is now for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maude-barlow/at-the-heart-of-the-wto-is-an-assault-on-everything-left-standing-in/) [Maude Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maude-barlow/) [Browse all 143 Economic freedom quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economic-freedom/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The root of all evil, the liberal insists, was precisely this interference with the freedom of employment, trade and currencies practiced by the various schools of social, national, and monopolistic protectionism since the third quarter of the nineteenth century; but for the unholy alliance of trade unions and labor parties with monopolistic manufacturers and agrarian interests, which in their shortsighted greed joined forces to frustrate economic liberty, the world would be enjoying today the fruits of an almost automatic system of creating material welfare. Liberal leaders never weary of repeating that the tragedy of the nineteenth century sprang from the incapacity of man to remain faithful to the inspiration of the early liberals; that the generous initiative of our ancestors was frustrated by the passions of nationalism and class war, vested interests, and monopolists, and above all, by the blindness of the working people to the ultimate beneficence of unrestricted economic freedom to all human interests, including their own. A great intellectual and moral advance was thus, it is claimed; frustrated by the intellectual and moral weaknesses of the mass of the people; what the spirit of Enlightenment had achieved was put to nought by the forces of selfishness. In a nutshell this is the economic liberal’s defense. 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