Generally, liberalism is thought to be synonymous to Individualism. However, Liberalism and individualism are quite distinct from each other. Individualist line of thought came into existence in 15th and 16th century when renaissance and reform movements had completely destroyed the medieval traditions. Individualism regards the state as a necessary evil. This thought does not accept the intervention of the state in the life of an individual.

It goes by the concept that no work can be accomplished by the state as good and beautiful as when it is done by the people. Liberalism is the line of thought between the end of medieval period and beginning of modern period. In modern era, it moves beyond individualist outlook and accepts the positive side of the state and it does not term the intervention of the king in the life of an individual as wrong if it is in public interest. Hence, conclusively, it can be said that liberalism is not synonymous to individualism.