The Story of the Seed of Freedom

 

Once upon a time, there was a world where people lived under very different conditions. Some were born as royals, others as poor farmers, and their fates were sealed from the moment of birth.

 

This world was unequal and unjust, but within it, a seed of freedom began to sprout, which changed everything.

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The Great Revolution

One day, more than two hundred years ago, a great revolution broke out in France.

 

The people rose against unjust monarchy and demanded liberty, fraternity, and equality. They wanted every child to have the right to a better life. The heroes of the revolution, like the young and brave General Marquis de Lafayette, fought courageously for these ideals of freedom.

 

Lafayette declared: "Humanity has won its battle. Freedom now has a homeland."

 

The flames of the revolution spread quickly across Europe, igniting hope in people for a fairer world.

This idea—that every person is equal regardless of their birth—was at the heart of liberalism.

 

From the seed of freedom grew two important branches: political value liberalism and, on the other hand, economic liberalism.

 

Political value liberalism emphasized individual freedoms and civil rights, such as adherence to the law, the right to equal treatment regardless of birth, freedom of speech, and the right to participate in decision-making.Economic liberalism, on the other hand, sought to dismantle old economic restrictions and promote free trade for the benefit of merchants in the marketplace.

 

However, the triumph of liberalism was not easy. Many feared change and wanted to hold on to the old ways.

 

They tried to prevent the spread of new ideas and suppress the voice of freedom. Over time, liberalism evolved, and new forms emerged.

 

One important movement was social liberalism, which emphasized social justice and equality. Social liberals believed, and still believe, that the state has a crucial role in promoting well-being and helping the most disadvantaged.They support, for example, tax-funded social security and education.

 

Liberal democracy faces many threats, both internally and externally. One of the problematic threats of our time is the rise of extremist and populist movements.

 

These movements often propose oversimplified solutions and challenge the core principles of liberal democracy, such as the rule of law and minority rights. Populist, often harsh and malicious rhetoric, which highlights the flaws of others, can create tensions between liberal values and practical politics

 

.Liberals defend the law as a shared set of rules that allow a diverse society to function together.

For example Republic of Finland’s first president, Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg, a member of the Liberal Progressive Party, went down in history as the main author of Finland’s first constitution and a builder of national reconciliation.

 

For modern liberals, a major concern and even a threat is the attack of extremist and populist angry speeches in social media.

 

These one-note movements often push for oversimplified solutions and question the basic principles of liberal democracy, such as the rule of law and minority rights.

 

Children’s Rights

 

Liberalism has continuously fought for freedom, justice, and equality. In a liberal spirit, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, ensuring that the right to childhood extends to all children.

 

Although liberalism has achieved much, the work toward a better world continues.The seed of freedom, which began sprouting long ago, continues to grow, bringing more justice, equality, and freedom to the world.

 

And so, people around the globe live in hope and faith in a better future.