Libertarianism

The movement toward liberty has roots in two eras, neither of which saw much liberty. One lineage comes from the Enlightenment while the other emanates from ancient philosophers.

The movement toward liberty has roots in two eras, neither of which saw much liberty. One lineage comes from the Enlightenment while the other emanates from ancient philosophers.

Birzer does not grasp the importance of states’ rights in preserving liberty against the leviathan central government. In Randolph’s words, “I love liberty; I hate equality.” However, readers will learn a great deal from reading it.

If you have time to read only one book about the American Revolution, it should be this one. It formed the basis for Rothbard’s conclusion that “in the deepest sense, the American Revolution was a conscious majority revolution in behalf of libertarianism and against power."

The Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution it launched were unique because they were focused on decentralization, liberty, and limitations on state power. This movement did not “create a nation.” Rather, it seriously challenged and limited the Hobbesian state.

As we commemorate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it deserves to be read as its authors intended: as both a universal defense of natural rights and as a formal declaration by 13 free and independent states that they were assuming their place among the nations of the earth.

In this issue of The Misesian, we bring the focus back to the Americans who brought about what Murray Rothbard has called a truly libertarian revolution against the power of states and imperialism.

Mutual aid societies once were an important part of the US social landscape. Africans can benefit from the same movements—provided their governments get out of the way.

Mutual aid societies once were an important part of the US social landscape. Africans can benefit from the same movements—provided their governments get out of the way.