Liberalisme is zijn ziel kwijt

In *The Lost History of Liberalism*, Helena Rosenblatt offers a comprehensive 'word history' of liberalism, examining how the term has been used and understood across centuries. The book delves into the moral core of liberalism, highlighting its engagement with various political and social movements, and challenges common assumptions about its meaning. Rosenblatt emphasizes the importance of understanding liberalism's historical context, particularly its roots in French and German thought, to reconnect with its lost traditions.

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.

In 'De Meeste Mensen Deugen' verweeft Rutger Bregman inzichten uit psychologie, economie, biologie en archeologie om een nieuwe visie op de menselijke geschiedenis te presenteren. Hij betoogt dat mensen over het algemeen beter zijn dan vaak wordt aangenomen en dat de media vaak een vertekend beeld geven van de menselijke natuur. Het boek biedt interessante tegenargumenten tegen bekende theorieën over menselijk gedrag.