# From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 7

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/excursions/from-optimism-to-pessimism-the-case-of-herbert-spencer-part-7>

**By** George H. Smith

**Published:** May 20, 2015

---

Herbert Spencer feared granting suffrage to women – at least during his time – would diminish "real" liberty. Was this a justifiable concern?

[Originally published in essay form on August 21, 2012.](https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/excursions/optimism-pessimism-case-herbert-spencer-part-7)

_Narrated by James Foster._