During the early to mid 20th century, there was an entire group of writers, business owners, and academics who argued for laissez faire capitalism that affected the philosophies and actions of economists like Milton Friedman and Alan Greenspan.

I think it is good to know the historical roots of various movements and how they are used for good or ill.

It reminds me of what happened to an author on the other side of the political road. As a result of the writings of Thomas Payne, when he tried to help the French, unscrupulous people , namely Robespierre, took advantage of the situation, and Thomas Paine was imprisoned, barely escaping the guillotine.

While Classical Liberalism is attractive, I believe what we see today is often a perversion used by those who don't really believe in its basic precepts.