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William Gladstone on the essence of liberalism

 

Liberalism is trust of the people, tempered by prudence. Conservatism is distrust of the people, tempered by fear.

 

自由主義代表信任人民，由慎重維繫。

保守主義乃不信任人民，因恐懼而生。

 

William E. Gladstone

 

liberalism 自由主義

conservatism 保守主義

-ism 主義／宗旨 : materialism, optimism, pessimism

 

temper 鍛鍊／調和 (v.)

e.g. We should temper justice with mercy. 法理也要以人情調和。

e.g. The troops have been tempered by battles. 這些軍隊早已身經百戰。

 

temper 脾氣、性情 (剛烈/平靜) (n.)

e.g. The boy has quite a temper.

e.g. He slammed the door and left in a temper.

e.g. It is hard for his parents not to lose their tempers.

 

prudence 謹慎 (n.)

e.g. He always exercises prudence with his finances. 他理財總是十分謹慎。