The Liberalism of Fear

Judith Shklar’s disabused vision of liberalism has survived more optimistic versions of the creed. It is high time for this classic essay to stand alone, in a frightening political moment and as so many are finding her wisdom a touchstone. – Samuel Moyn, author of Liberalism Against Itself
Shklar’s legacy is an inspiring example of liberal thought at its arresting best, unflinchingly courageous and unmoved by the dreary and unmeaning harmonies conjured up by theories of justice and rights. – John Gray, Times Literary Supplement
Judith Shklar’s essay about cruelty being the one vice that a liberal society must avoid and combat gains more relevance every day. As right- and left-wing populist movements rise and compassion fatigue overwhelms constitutional democracies, Shklar’s wise words caution us to seek a more robust and humane liberalism. – Seyla Benhabib, author of The Rights of Others

Judith N. Shklar (1928–1992) was John Cowles Professor of Government at Harvard University and a MacArthur Fellow. Her many books include American Citizenship: The Quest for Inclusion, Ordinary Vices, and Legalism: Law, Morals, and Political Trials.

Mark Lilla is Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and a frequent contributor to the New York Review of Books and other publications worldwide. His books include Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know, The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity Politics, The Shipwrecked Mind: On Political Reaction, and The Stillborn God: Religion, Politics, and the Modern West.

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