Statue of Liberty
Understanding What Is A Liberal can be complex, as the meaning of “liberal” shifts depending on context. Like many words in the English language, its definition isn’t fixed. From its origins to its modern political usage, the term “liberal” has undergone significant transformations. Essentially, “liberal” can encompass a wide spectrum of meanings, from “generous” and “broad-minded” to its more specific political connotation. In a political sense, a liberal is often understood as someone who advocates for governmental involvement in fostering social and political progress.
To truly grasp what is a liberal means, it’s helpful to delve into the word’s etymological roots. The term “liberal” originates from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.” This root is shared with words like “liberty” – the state of being free – and “libertine,” referring to someone with a dissolute lifestyle. However, “liberal” as we understand it today is more directly derived from the Latin liberalis, which translates to “of or relating to the liberal arts, pertaining to freedom, or befitting a freedman.” This connection to “liberal arts” is crucial in understanding the historical development of the word.
The link between what is a liberal and “liberal arts” stretches back to ancient Rome. Liber functioned as an adjective describing someone “free and independent,” contrasting with servus, meaning “slavish” or “servile.” The Romans distinguished between artes liberales (liberal arts) and artes serviles (servile arts). Liberal arts, intended for freemen, encompassed subjects like grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while servile arts focused on vocational skills. This distinction highlights the association of “liberal” with education and the qualities befitting a free person in society.
The term “liberal arts” was adopted into French in the 14th century and subsequently into English. Around the same time, “liberal” began to be used with other words like “education,” “profession,” and “pastime,” suggesting activities suitable for individuals of high social standing. Concurrently, “liberal” also started to denote “generosity” and “bounty.” By the 15th century, it was used to describe actions characterized by openhanded generosity, such as “pouring a liberal glass of wine.” This evolution showcases how the meaning of “liberal” expanded beyond its initial association with freedom and education.
Continuing its semantic journey, the 18th century saw “liberal” evolve to describe something “not strict or rigorous.” This sense of openness and flexibility paved the way for its political connotations. The political dichotomy between “liberal” and “conservative” began solidifying in the 19th century, particularly in Britain, where the Whig and Tory parties adopted these terms to represent their ideologies. This era marked a significant shift towards the modern political understanding of what is a liberal.
“Liberal” is now a common label for political parties globally. However, it’s important to note that the political positions associated with “liberal” parties vary across countries and don’t always align with the United States’ understanding. In the U.S., “liberal” has been linked to both the Republican and Democratic parties historically, though it is now predominantly associated with the Democratic party. Interestingly, its use has often been descriptive rather than officially titular.
In American political discourse, the term “liberal” has acquired negative connotations for some, while others embrace it proudly. This divergence in perception can be traced back to the early to mid-20th century, as evidenced by its use in phrases like “pinko-liberal.” Examples from publications of the time illustrate this evolving, sometimes critical, usage:
“Thanks to The Dove, pinko-liberal journal of campus opinion at the University of Kansas, a small part of the world last week learned some inner workings of a Japanese college boy.” —Time: the Weekly Newsmagazine, 1926
“”To the well-to-do,” writes Editor Oswald Garrison Villard of the pinko-liberal Nation, “contented and privileged, Older is an anathema.” —Time: the Weekly Newsmagazine, 1929
“Pinko liberals—the kind who have been so sympathetic with communistic ideals down through the years—will howl to high heaven.” —The Mason City Globe-Gazette, 1940
The phrase “limousine liberal,” denoting a wealthy political liberal, has surprisingly deep roots. Despite the common belief that it originated in the 1960s, historical evidence reveals that the term was used as early as 1919, demonstrating a long-standing skepticism towards affluent individuals espousing liberal views:
“Limousine liberals” is another phrase that has been attached to these comfortable nibblers at anarchy. But it seems to us too bourgeois. It may do as a subdivision of our higher priced Bolsheviki. —New York Tribune, 1919
Despite the multifaceted nature of “liberal,” context usually clarifies its intended meaning. However, the word’s political dimensions, with their closely intertwined and sometimes conflicting connotations, can create ambiguity. This complexity is further amplified by the polarized views surrounding the different interpretations of what is a liberal in contemporary society.
One prevalent definition of “liberal” is “a person who believes that government should be active in supporting social and political change.” Ultimately, whether this active role of government is perceived as positive or negative is a matter of individual perspective. Therefore, when considering what is a liberal, it’s essential to remember: “We define, you decide.”
