Classical Liberalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Classical Liberalism - Essay Example Locke attempted to protect some areas of personal life from governmental action. People should not be deprived of their property rights by the state. The acceptance of the government authority over people is to ensure that the latter protects their property and liberty. In ancient times, people enjoyed full-fledged freedom and liberty; and the state should endeavor to provide these rights (Stein 21). The Lockean perception states that the fundamental duty of the state is to protect private property. However, this theory has been discounted because the state has extended protection to only property that it creates and to the extent to which it deems to be sufficient. The state is the bestower as well as the depriver of property. Consequently, the restrictions imposed by the state on land use become an intrinsic part of the land (Epstein 129). A state that controls private property is akin to a dictatorship. Moreover, a state that strictly protects the right to private property, cannot address crises effectively. For instance, during times of war, natural disasters and economic depressions the state is empowered to control private property. However, classical liberalism requires the state to operate under certain limitations, while seizing private property. Therefore, a classical liberal society cannot survive in a real time environment and it cannot build gigantic projects like the Tennessee Valley Authority. Such classical liberal societies cannot deal with the Texas farmers in drought situations. There will be no technological advancement in a classical liberal society. It cannot launch expedition to outer space, and there would be no scientific experiments (Rockwell). The sole ruler of a society is its legislation, therefore, it is irrelevant as to who wins in the elections or who emerges as the president. Communities develop by themselves, and the future of the people is determined by their actions.