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Liberalism Has Become A Dirty Word

L'Observateur Russe
/
Wikimedia Commons
Parisian Cafe, Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The 18th century Parisian cafe was an incubator for the liberal tradition as it was before liberalism became a politically-loaded and dirty word. The cafe brought people together to exchange ideas, talk, connect, argue, debate, and learn about humanity, empathy, and humility outside the control of the state; a place where civil society trumped tribal impulse. 

We are a far more humane people today compared to what we've been, despite the astounding level of cruelty in the headlines every day. Laws still rule the day. 

Yet, many question whether liberalism can survive the rise of nationalist leaders from Hungary to the United States and the illiberal ideas they promote; some 2020 presidential candidates are calling for revolution. Can the long history of the liberal tradition teach us something about this current moment?  

GUEST: 

  • Adam Gopnik- Staff writer for The New Yorkersince 1986. He’s the author of many books, including At The Strangers Gate: Arrivals In New York and most recently, A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventures of Liberalism

You can join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter

Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show. which originally aired on May 15, 2019.

Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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