To what extent is liberalism united in their views of human nature?

Explanation: Both classical and modern liberalism agree that individuals are rational and capable of self-governance. They emphasize the importance of personal autonomy, and while classical liberalism focuses on individual self-interest, modern liberalism adds a sense of social responsibility.
Key Thinker: John Locke (Classical Liberalism) vs. John Rawls (Modern Liberalism)
Quote: Locke: "Government is a necessary evil; it is necessary to protect our rights, but it is also capable of infringing upon them." This reflects the shared liberal belief in protecting individual rights, though Locke sees government as a limitation, while Rawls, though focused on social justice, still sees individual liberty as a foundational value. Rawls: "Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are...to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged."

Explanation: Classical liberalism emphasizes egoistical individualism and self-interest as the primary drivers of human behavior, while modern liberalism highlights developmental individualism, where human nature includes a sense of social responsibility and the potential for personal fulfillment.
Key Thinker: John Stuart Mill (Classical Liberalism) vs. Betty Friedan (Modern Liberalism)
Quote: Mill: "Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign." Mill's view focuses on individual autonomy and liberty, reinforcing the belief in self-interest as the guiding principle. In contrast, Friedan: "The problem that has no name—which is simply the fact that American women are kept from growing to their full human capacities—is taking a far greater toll on the physical and mental health of our country than any known disease." Friedan argues that human fulfillment requires addressing societal obstacles, especially for women, emphasizing social responsibility in human nature.

Explanation: While classical liberals believe the state should have minimal intervention, modern liberals argue that the state has a crucial role in fostering human development and ensuring individuals' potential through social justice policies and welfare programs. This difference reflects varying views on human nature’s dependency on societal conditions.
Key Thinker: Thomas Paine (Classical Liberalism) vs. John Rawls (Modern Liberalism)
Quote: Paine: "Government is a necessary evil; it is necessary to protect our rights, but it is also capable of infringing upon them." This reflects classical liberalism’s skepticism toward government interference in human life. On the other hand, Rawls’ theory of justice, particularly with the "veil of ignorance" concept, shows modern liberalism’s belief that social structures should be designed to promote equality and enable individual potential. "Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are...to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged."