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Full Idea
Liberalism is committed to …the liberation of individuals so that realisation of their capacities may be the law of their life.
Gist of Idea
Liberals aim to allow individuals to realise their capacities
Source
John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 11:41), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 4 'Dewey'
Book Ref
Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.103
A Reaction
Capacity expression as the main aim of politics is precisely the idea developed more fully in modern times by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum. It strikes me as an excellent proposal. Does it need liberalism, or socialism?