Constant Principles Haley Johnston – January 16th – Humanities 30-1

Then…

Then…

Adam SmithAdam Smith was a Scottish political economist who lived from the years 1723 through 1790. Smith was a man who believed in self interest, individual rights and freedoms as well as the rule of law. He believed that if people worked first and foremost for themselves, everyone would be better off. He also insisted that individual self-interest in a free market would lead to a stronger economy and therefore benefit the majority of society. Smith’s justification for self-interest as an economic motive was his idea of the invisible hand. This design was that by having every individual look after their own interest, they inadvertently end up helping everyone else, by providing jobs and cheaper products.

"No society can surely be flourishing and happy when part of the members are poor and miserable.“ –Adam Smith

John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill was an English philosopher in his lifetime of 1806 till 1873. His main interests were to protect individual freedom and to promote individual decision making as the core of societal institutions. These values can be related to the classical liberalism principles of individual rights and freedoms and rule of law. Mill also believed that the only limitations to be found on an individual were those that protected the liberty of others. He also believed in the freedom of speech, as he believed that it was a necessary condition for intellectual and societal progress.

“If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.” -John Stuart Mill

Now…

Chief Clarence Louie Chief Clarence Louie is both the band chief for the Osoyoos Indian Band, and CEO of the development corporation. He has a very direct approach on economic development and self sufficiency. These values can be linked to liberal principles such as self-interest, individual rights and freedoms and rule of law. Chief Louie is a man who passionately believes that every human should have an equal and fair opportunity at life, and that everyone should work hard to attain their goals. He also believes in the approach of being self-fulfilling and to fix issues at home and for yourself before you go and try to change the world.

“I always feel you should look after your own backyard before going off to try to save all the whales, salve all the tress and hug everybody. Stay home and look after the potholes in your own backyard.”-Chief Clarence Louie

Pierre Elliott TrudeauPierre Trudeau is one of Canada’s former prime ministers. Beliefs that he possessed which coincided with liberal principles include rule of law and individual rights and freedoms. Trudeau campaigned to create a just society for all Canadians. He issued the White Paper act, which proposed to eliminate treaties, Department of Indian Affairs, and everything else keeping First Nations and Inuit people separate from the rest of Canada. He also proposed the constitution act, which was to provide equality for all of Canada. Pierre Trudeau wanted equality for all and for this world to be free from discrimination.

“Canada will be a strong country when Canadians of all provinces feel at home in all parts of the country, and when they feel that all Canada belongs to them.”-Pierre Trudeau

Comparison

Looking at the information provided, it is easy to see that there are many aspects of liberalism that have continued to be constant. Liberalism involves the benefit for the majority, freedom and rights for the individual and equality for all, and this has remained for many years. Times have changed and so has the world and the people whom occupy it, but the basic liberalist principles have remained constant.