What distinguishes the liberal from the conservative here is that, however profound his own spiritual beliefs, he will never regard himself as entitled to impose them on others and that for him the spiritual and the temporal are different sphere which ought not to be confused.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Liberals separate personal spiritual beliefs from public policy. They refuse to force their values on others, recognizing a distinction between the spiritual and secular realms.
- In plain terms
- Liberals don't impose their personal beliefs on others.
- What can you take from it?
- Keep personal beliefs separate from public rule.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you separate personal values from public action?
- Is absolute neutrality possible?
Another view
Some argue values inevitably influence public policy regardless of separation.
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