The Real Meaning of Liberalism: Have Progressives Hijacked the Term?

Words matter, especially in politics. They shape our beliefs, define ideologies, and guide our understanding of the world. One word that has undergone a significant transformation is “liberalism.” Once a proud philosophy rooted in freedom, individual rights, and limited government, it now seems to mean something entirely different.

Today, many self-identified liberals align more closely with progressive ideologies, which often champion government control over individual liberty. So, what does it really mean to be a liberal, and why does reclaiming the term matter for the future of political discourse?

What Liberalism Used to Mean

Classical liberalism emerged as a philosophy centered on the principles of freedom, personal responsibility, and the protection of individual rights. Key tenets of classical liberalism include:

• Limited Government: Ensuring the state exists to protect rights, not infringe upon them.
• Free Markets: Allowing individuals to pursue economic opportunities without excessive government interference.
• Individual Rights: Upholding freedom of speech, religion, and association as sacred.
• Equality Under the Law: Treating every individual equally, without favoring or discriminating against groups.

This philosophy inspired revolutions, shaped democracies, and served as a cornerstone for Western political thought. Figures like John Locke, Adam Smith, and even America’s Founding Fathers championed these ideals, creating societies where individuals could thrive under the rule of law.

What “Liberal” Means Today

Fast forward to today, and the term “liberal” has taken on a radically different meaning. In modern American politics, liberalism is often associated with progressive policies, including:

• Expanding government programs and control over economic sectors.
• Restricting speech in the name of combating “harmful” ideas.
• Prioritizing equity (outcomes) over equality (opportunity).
• Advocating for sweeping societal reforms, often through government mandates.

These ideas are a far cry from classical liberalism. Modern progressivism often seeks to centralize power in the state, directly contradicting the liberal principle of limiting government authority. The irony? Many who champion these ideas still call themselves “liberals.”

Why This Matters

Reclaiming the true meaning of liberalism isn’t just about semantics—it’s about preserving the values that allow a free society to flourish. When words are distorted, the philosophies they represent can be co-opted and manipulated. This shift in the definition of liberalism has profound consequences:

• Erosion of Individual Liberty: Expanding government power often comes at the expense of personal freedoms.
• Polarization of Discourse: Mislabeling ideologies creates confusion and prevents meaningful debate.
• Loss of Historical Context: Forgetting classical liberalism’s roots undermines the ideals that shaped modern democracy.

By clarifying what liberalism truly means, we can have more honest conversations about the policies and philosophies shaping our world.

Liberalism vs. Progressivism

At its core, liberalism champions individual rights and limited government. Progressivism, by contrast, often prioritizes collective goals and state intervention. Here’s a comparison to highlight the difference:

This distinction matters because it allows us to evaluate policies based on their philosophical foundations, not just their labels.

Conclusion

The real meaning of liberalism is rooted in freedom, personal responsibility, and the protection of individual rights. As progressivism increasingly dominates the political landscape, it’s essential to reclaim liberalism’s true definition and defend the values that have allowed societies to thrive.

Words matter. Liberalism, in its classical sense, is a philosophy worth preserving—not just for the sake of clarity, but for the future of liberty itself.