The historian Helena Rosenblatt argues that modern liberalism has lost its moral core by focusing solely on individual rights. In her book, she cites ancient Roman virtue, liberalitas, and thinkers like Cicero and John Locke to show how liberality once embodied generosity and civic duty.

Rosenblatt notes that the term *liberalism* emerged only in the early 19th century, after centuries of a broader, virtue‑based tradition. She links this shift to the erosion of a shared moral imagination, a loss she believes explains why liberals appear detached in today’s political arena.

The podcast highlights the collapse of a vibrant liberal ethos after the Obama era, followed by the rise of Donald Trump and a perceived decline in liberal ambition. Understanding this historical trajectory offers a roadmap for rejuvenating a political philosophy that balances rights with responsibility.

Reintroducing liberality could sharpen liberal policy, making it more than a defensive posture and restoring its aspirational appeal for voters and leaders alike.