Amsterdam: The Dutch roots of liberal philosophy is found the culture of Amsterdam

Book Reviewed: Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City, by Russell Shorto

The book is written by John Adams Institute director Russell Shorto whose narratives about the history of Amsterdam intrigues the reader. Its rich history and the birth of modern society of liberalism that encompasses tolerance, order, coexistence and entrepreneurship in the midst of the cultural diversity is phenomenal. This is a passionate and persuasive historical document.

In Amsterdam, craziness is a value. The squatting of buildings; forcing your way into a place that is not yours and inhabiting, was legalized in 1971 provided the buildings are unoccupied for a year. It is common to see dilapidated facades hung with banners proclaiming their authority. The city also has about 7,000 licensed "street walkers" who practice the oldest profession of selling sex for money. If you don't know where the red-light district is, ask a cop, he will direct you there. At the city's coffee shops, controlled substances like marijuana and hashish are listed on the menu, and there are many brands to choose from. Drugs are technically illegal but officially tolerated; this is a unique law that exists only in Amsterdam. This book combines cultural sociology and history to discuss the origins of liberalism in a city that draws visitors from all over the world. The city is proud of its tradition of tolerance. Historically the city drew philosophers, like Spinoza, Rembrandt, sociologists, scientists and liberal groups of protestant church that paved the way for a new brand of liberalism. The book discusses in three parts and some sections are boring, but overall it is readable. Another drawback I found is that this book has no pictures of the city, past or present. I wished there were some.