24.

The Good within Our Reach

It is often asserted that we should cooperate rather than compete in society. For instance, FDR said, “Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off ” (Roosevelt 1912). Bertrand Russell expresses it even more sharply: “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation” (Russell 1954).

25.

Justice versus Social Justice

26.

Social Reformers as
Keepers of the Peace

27.

The Role of Rules

“There seems to be considerable confusion about the nature and purpose of rules.” That is how Leonard Read begins “The Role of Rules,” from his 1972 book To Free or Freeze: That Is the Question (Read 1972a), after quoting Epictetus: “The first and most necessary topic in philosophy is the practical application of principles”—that is, we need to apply rules based on valid philosophical principles. He then clarifies the relationship between principles and rules and distinguishes between two different types of rules.

28.

Self-Reform, Not Reformed Coercion

America is constantly being reformed. Unfortunately, from healthcare and insurance to housing and finance, its reforms do not advance the welfare of Americans but only expand the powers government has over them. Few have seen this more clearly than Leonard Read. In his 1970 book Talking to Myself (Read 1970), he discusses what truly beneficial reforms require. His clarity of thought, which focuses on self-reform rather than the imposition of reform on others, deserves consideration.

29.

Natural Aristocracy as the Cure
for Kakistocracy

Americans hear mountains of praise for democracy, but few use the word “republic” anymore to describe their country. As a result, many overlook how democracy differs from and how it can even override a republic. Leonard Read, in his 1977 book Awake for Freedom’s Sake (Read 1977), provides insight into this distinction that we seem to have all but forgotten and observes that our democracy is turning into a kakistocracy.

30.

Elements of Libertarian Leadership

Leonard Read was an important leader in the libertarian movement because of his unwavering commitment to liberty as well as his belief that not all forms of leadership and education are effective and consistent with liberty. He deals with this issue throughout his work, but it is the main topic of his 1962 book Elements of Libertarian Leadership (Read 1962b).

31.

Go Where the Action Is

In my day-to-day interactions, I generally feel closer, as a libertarian, to those who would call themselves conservatives than to those on the left. It is probably because the conservatives I know are far less likely than those on the left to openly and baldly advocate for invading the “life, liberty and estates” (Locke 1690) of others.

32.

Smarter Talk Is Smarter Action

Americans have long thought of themselves as people of action. As Leonard Read notes in “How to Gain Liberty,” originally published in 1955 (Read 1986), Americans want less talk and more action—or at least they used to—even in situations when people recognize that their liberties are threatened. But what kind of action is appropriate in defense of our liberties?

33.

What Should Be Prohibited?

Covid triggered a massive upswing in government prohibitions in America. Many businesses were prohibited from remaining open. Many people were forced to stop working. Many of our normal freedoms of association and travel were eliminated. Many rights—such as access to due process or to contract enforcement—were effectively prohibited. And almost everyone can add to the list from their own experiences.