# The Future of Liberalism explained — Liberalism

> Chapter companion for Liberalism by L. T. Hobhouse.

## What happens

This chapter examines the state of Liberalism at the close of the nineteenth century, its decline in the face of plutocratic imperialism and social democracy, and its potential for renewal. It discusses the need for Liberalism to adapt to new conditions, including the relationship with self-governing colonies, the challenge of democratic governance, and the interplay between internationalism and national self-government. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the essence of democracy and the vital role of individual participation in forming a common will.

## Themes in this chapter

### Democracy and Popular Sovereignty

The chapter extensively discusses the nature of democracy, its reliance on common will, and the challenge of majority rule versus universal consent.

### Nationalism and International Peace

Explores the tension between national self-government and internationalism, proposing a model of democratic alliance and the International State.

### Progress and Reform

Addresses the need for Liberalism to adapt and grow, learning from Socialism and addressing issues like unemployment, underpayment, and overcrowding.

### Economic Freedom and Social Welfare

Discusses the limitations of Free Trade in solving social problems and the importance of using social surplus for progress rather than war.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Cobden

Referenced in the context of the older Liberalism and the change in the colonial situation since his time.

### William Ewart Gladstone

Mentioned as a figure from the Liberal tradition, with his second Government in 1880 marking a point of reference.

### Jeremy Bentham

Referenced in the dismissal of the Benthamite argument for popular government as unsatisfactory.

### The Englishman

Used to describe the imperialist attitude of the born ruler of the world during the period of optimism and expansion.

## Key lines

> Its faith in itself was waxing cold. It seemed to have done its work. It had the air of a creed that is becoming fossilized as an extinct form, a fossil that occupied, moreover, an awkward position between two very active and energetically moving grindstones—the upper grindstone of plutocratic imperialism, and the nether grindstone of social democracy.

Liberalism had lost its self-confidence and appeared outdated, caught between the forces of wealthy imperialism and working-class socialism.

_Describes the perceived crisis of Liberalism at the turn of the century._

> Democracy is not founded merely on the right or the private interest of the individual. This is only one side of the shield. It is founded equally on the function of the individual as a member of the community. It founds the common good upon the common will, in forming which it bids every grown-up, intelligent person to take a part.

Democracy is based not just on individual rights but on each person's role in the community, building the common good through active participation in shaping the collective will.

_Articulates the dual foundation of democracy in individual and communal responsibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/liberalism_se/chapters/ix-the-future-of-liberalism
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