The Future of Liberalism

A compelling, trenchant, and necessary defense of the liberal tradition that draws upon the ideas of its greatest thinkers to explain not only what the tradition actually is but also why it is still as relevant as ever, and how it can help us chart the course for a politics capable of moving modern society forward. The Future of Liberalism represents the culmination of four decades of thinking and writing about American politics by one of our leading scholars (one of liberalism's last and most loyal sons whose] criticism . . . is one of the glories of American democracy--Leon Wieseltier). Alan Wolfe explains how the writings of Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and John Dewey, among others, helped shape the philosophy of liberalism: a capacious conception of human nature, a bedrock belief that people are more important than ideology, a respect for both individualism and its limits, a passion for social justice, and faith in reason and intellectual openness. And we see how liberalism might influence and illuminate contemporary debates on immigration, abortion, executive power, and free speech. But, at the same time, Wolfe makes clear that before liberalism can be applied to today's problems, it needs to be recovered, understood, and embraced--not just by Americans but by all modern people--as the most broadly beneficial way to live in our complex world. The Future of Liberalism is a powerfully persuasive step in that direction.

About the Author :
Alan Wolfe is a professor of political science and director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College. A contributing editor of" The New Republic, The Wilson Quarterly, "and "CommonWealth, " he also writes for "The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, "and" The Washington Post. "He lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Review :
"Alan Wolfe has written a small masterpiece of political thought: deeply learned, pragmatic and principled, appropriately self-critical, and a pleasure to read. It is an essential book for anyone who hopes liberalism will prosper again or wonders why it should." -Michael Kazin, author of "A Godly Hero: The Life of William Jennings Bryan ""Alan Wolfe restores luster to the original ideals of liberty and equality, but also shows liberalism's pragmatic side-its recognition of the need for governance at home and leadership abroad. He shows that liberals, too, can have a 'purpose driven life' if they just reclaim their legacy." -Mark Lilla, author of "The Stillborn God: Religion, Politics, and the Modern West ""In this wise, passionate, and persuasive book, Alan Wolfe draws on decades of reflection and scholarship to elucidate and champion one of the most important concepts of the human enterprise. While fully living up to its title by providing hope and guidance for the century just begun, " The Future of Liberalism "is also a tour de force of intellectual history-and an astute commentary on the great political issues of our time." -Strobe Talbott, author of "The Great Experiment ""This book requires your attention. Liberalism in America cannot be dead. It is at the center of its history. But Americans should know why. Alan Wolfe tells us in a book of impressive scholarship and wide reach." -Jeff Madrick, author of" The Case for Big Government ""Alan Wolfe and I disagree on many things, but as a defender and thinker about the liberal philosophy in America, he is one of the best." The Future of Liberalism" is typical of that. I continue to learn from Alan when I read him, and so doing helps me define and refine my positions and thinking. Alan is always worth the read." -William J. Bennett, author of" America: The Last Best Hope ""For all the fountains of ink and miles of bandwidth expended in trying to make sense of Bara "One of liberalism's last and most loyal sons [whose] criticism . . . is one of the glories of American democracy" -- Leon Wieseltier