Richard Epstein & Classical Liberalism

Interesting, though brief, overview of classical liberalism in this review of Richard Epstein and his new book, "Skepticism and Freedom: A Modern Case for Classical Liberalism." Excerpt:

This hard-nosed political philosophy—first formulated by John Locke in response to Thomas Hobbes, and later Adam Smith; used by Jefferson and Madison to inform the U.S. Constitution; and embracing aspects of libertarian theory and laissez faire economics—continues to offer “the best guide to human behavior” and social organization, said Epstein. “Classical liberalism requires us to maintain the distinction between liberty and coercion: to advance the former while constraining the latter,” he said.

“If we start with a clear vision of human motivation and cognitive limitations,” Epstein said, “we shall gravitate in all matters great and small to a classical liberal position that protects autonomy, property, and exchange of labor and possessions within the framework of limited government. A government,” he emphasized, “that directs its power against coercion and monopoly and calls it a day.”

But what I found equally interesting was the fact that "Epstein describes his personal evolution over 25 years 'from a staunch libertarian who distrusted consequentialist explanations to a classical liberal who embraces these explanations.'" I too feel like I have moved in this direction.