Liberalism as Optimism

Another reflection that continually re-occurs to me as I read is how the general liberal view, in particular through history, has been the more optimistic one. On big questions like universal suffrage, Catholic emancipation, Home rule for the Irish, opening borders, liberalising trade, being more humane in the justice system, there seems to be a tug between fear and hope. Perhaps when people were making the case against hanging burglars or forgers, or for giving votes to women, there were dissenting voices arguing how this 'progress' was all well and good, but collapse of the social fabric/revolution/takeover by Foreigners would inevitably follow. Brave politicians may have lost their careers or damaged their parties taking the other view.

This is not a straight anti-Tory point; Margaret Thatcher is perhaps the clearest example of similar bravery but against traditional Leftish institutions. Neither can one conclude that change has always been right and stasis wrong. It is easy in hindsight to applaud the correct steps towards modernity, jeer at the traditionalists, and forget entirely the context and the lives crushed or disordered in the transition. I suppose the most I can say is that the status quo has an inbuilt advantage - people hurt by change form special interests, like the angry Tory farmers of the 1840's, and their political power is more concentrated than the beneficiaries, like the millions enjoying cheaper bread. Hence political courage is needed more on the side of progress and reform.