So-called liberalism has been twisted out of shape by both the left and right-wing who incorrectly conceive of it in ideological terms, without understanding what a liberal philosophy really entails. In untangling these misconceptions, Wooldridge reveals why the world desperately needs to adopt a proper liberal mindset.

The cycles of history predict that without a return to liberalism, we face autocracy, fascism, and the societal stratification already visible in the world's structures of opposition. Adrian guides us through liberalism's intellectual, cultural, and political histories to remind us of the true liberal's values: freedom through self-determinism, individual rights, healthy skepticism, thoughtful tolerance, and aversion to dogmatism. Adrian diagnoses areas of necessary improvement for today's passive liberals, who would do well to embody the flexible, moderate, and critical approaches of their Cold War predecessors. The West's success against Communist totalitarianism came from recognizing the need for a strong military defense while using open communication. This energy must be applied to our understanding of overseas regimes and of Western capitalism at home.

We must learn from the liberal past and look ahead, critiquing the structures we find ourselves in and those further afield.