For liberalism is a delicate ...

For liberalism is a delicate thing. It encompasses so much -- constitutional government, democratic elections, freedom of worship, civil rights, free trade -- that we think of it as timeless and universal. But liberalism came into being in a real place and time, like a flame it has wavered in various eras, and it can be snuffed out.
 Russell Shorto

Quotes from the same author

We are graced with a godlike ability to transcend time and space in our minds but are chained to death.
 Russell Shorto