Classical Liberal Pioneers
John Locke basically invented the idea that governments should serve the people, not the other way around. He believed humans are naturally rational and self-interested but still considerate of others - what scholars call egotistical individualism. His revolutionary concept of the social contract argued that legitimate government only exists with people's consent.
Locke's vision of the state was pretty minimal - just a "night watchman" protecting your natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He reckoned society existed before governments did, complete with natural laws that rulers couldn't just ignore. This was massive at the time because it challenged the divine right of kings.
Mary Wollstonecraft took Locke's ideas and asked the obvious question: if humans are rational, why exclude women? She argued that society deliberately "infantilised" women by denying them education and opportunities. Her radical solution was replacing monarchies with republics that guaranteed constitutional rights for everyone, not just men.
John Stuart Mill developed these ideas further with his concept of developmental individualism - the belief that humans are constantly progressing and improving. However, he worried about the tyranny of the majority in democratic systems, believing society should move cautiously towards full democracy whilst protecting minority rights.
Key Insight: Classical liberals fundamentally believed in limited government and individual freedom, but disagreed on how quickly society should embrace democratic change.
