# Anders Chydenius **URL:** **By** Paul Meany **Published:** September 24, 2020 --- The 18th-century writer, politician, and clergyman Anders Chydenius is one of the great founding fathers of Nordic classical liberalism. He played a crucial role in repealing restrictive economic policies, promoting religious toleration, and most importantly, abolishing censorship and protecting free speech. ## Summary: Coming from the humble position of a rural clergy member, the Swedish Anders Chydenius shocked his contemporaries with his radical arguments in favour of the free market and a minimal state. Anders dedicated his life to defending the economic liberty of the least represented in society. During his life, he repealed backward economic policies, protected religious minorities' rights, and played a crucial role in establishing the principle of free speech in law.