In defense of liberalism

The municipal elections have passed, and the chances for 2027 are now at the top of the agendas of many candidates and parties. Magazine covers, social media, and bookstore shelves are filled with confessions, flashes of insight, and proposals. Whether this agitation generates broad interest is uncertain, but it matters little because the goal is not that: it is to rally the faithful and gradually shape the market of ideas to impose themes deemed favorable to one camp rather than another.

The discourse of anti-liberal demand from the left is part of this strategy. The economic program of the PS, the discourse of rejection of the alleged “commodification” of society, and publications on inequalities all contribute to a dual objective: on the one hand, to compete with the far left; on the other hand, to instill in minds discourses that will serve as reference points as the campaign unfolds.

It doesn’t matter if the observations are inaccurate: tomorrow, the rest of the political spectrum will be forced to explain why it accepts the idea that the wicked merchant avidly dominates our existences, if it is satisfied with social distress, and if it does not consider that with a little will, it would not be difficult to take money from the rich.

Indeed, liberalism is not a doctrine of exploitation – on the contrary, it is a movement of empowerment, in spirit as well as in results. It is a leap towards the individual’s autonomy in the pursuit of knowledge, through entrepreneurial quest and exchange. Liberal thought accepts a thousand shades. Its truth is not revealed, it is constantly unveiled through the confrontation of analyzes. It is an act of doubt and questioning.

Choosing one’s destiny

Liberalism is the conviction that equality of rights allows everyone to choose their destiny, without any immanent entity they have not approved (a dogma or an elite) being able to impose it on them. They are best placed to know what is right for them. The coordination of interests is then expressed through exchange, contract, or vote, which can lead to consented constraints – as long as they do not undermine the foundation of ultimate free choice. Liberalism is fundamentally a political philosophy.

This balance is constantly being renewed: it therefore rejects planning, centralization, and revelation. To unfold, it nurtures a concern for ever deeper understanding of things and beings. In a society of imposed truth, there is no need to understand, one must submit. It is in a liberal world that science, arts, and travel flourish. If the market aims for accumulation, it is first and foremost the accumulation of knowledge, which is achieved through exchange.

Liberalism also therefore requires humility (its defenders may concede to their opponents that they have not always made the most brilliant demonstrations): faced with the diversity of individuals and interests; faced with the endless search for a better society; faced with the impossibility of achieving stationary perfection.

It is a long quest, an adventure, an exploration. It faces failures. It suffers setbacks. However, it nonetheless records undeniable achievements: progress in science, development of democracy, enrichment of individuals. No other regime has done it. This should be recalled as its enemies raise their pitchforks.