The hottest Libertarianism Substack posts right now

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Acknowledgements for *Unbeatable*

Bet On It • 286 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Libertarianism
  1. Economics can transform a life by giving clear mental tools to solve puzzles and by providing deep intellectual enjoyment and a rewarding career.
  2. Decades of study produce distilled, hard‑earned insights that embrace difficult truths and make a candid, robust case for free markets.
  3. Close colleagues, candid critics, and family support are essential for shaping, improving, and finishing major intellectual projects.

Bet On It Book Club: For a New Liberty, Chapter 6

Bet On It • 60 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Personal liberty should be broad: people should be allowed extreme speech (even libelous or slanderous claims), full drug legalization is preferred to criminalization or forced treatment, and warrantless wiretapping of innocent people is a criminal violation.
  2. Many policies usually labeled 'right-wing' are really civil-liberty issues: government control of the airwaves, bans on tobacco advertising, and gun-control laws can unjustly restrict speech and the rights of peaceful, law-abiding people.
  3. Treating orders to commit crimes as making someone an accessory matters a great deal: if leaders who direct or incite harmful actions aren’t held as accessories, then incitement and conspiracy can’t be shrugged off as mere speech.

Bet On It Book Club: For a New Liberty, Chapter 5

Bet On It • 115 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Involuntary servitude is unacceptable. Many state practices—like the draft, strict military rules, taxation, subpoenas, jury duty, and psychiatric commitment—function as forms of forced labor or control over people’s bodies.
  2. The state’s coercive powers should be curtailed through legal changes. Ideas include abolishing subpoenas in favor of trials in absentia and treating income taxation as a form of forced labor that merits radical abolition or privatization.
  3. Self-ownership means people should be free to quit jobs or service, facing only moral, financial, or reputational consequences rather than physical coercion. Government-created privileges for unions distort the market, so removing those privileges is preferable to adding more regulation.

The Persona And Legacy Of Murray Rothbard

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 30 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Murray Rothbard was a fiercely uncompromising and prolific thinker who championed anarcho‑capitalism and wrote on economics, history, philosophy, and politics.
  2. He combined Austrian economics with moral and ethical arguments to reject the legitimacy of the state, and he was willing to ally tactically with left or right forces to advance libertarian goals.
  3. His clear, prolific writing and teaching, plus a decades‑long habit of following the money in history, made him influential, and his vast work being online means his ideas can spread even faster with internet and AI tools.

Bet On It Book Club: For a New Liberty, Chapter 4

Bet On It • 70 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Government is the root cause of many social problems because it directly controls or monopolizes the institutions involved.
  2. When the state supplies services or owns resources—like streets, police, courts, and the air—it tends to perform poorly and fail to protect property rights, producing issues like crime and pollution.
  3. Listing problems and blaming government without laying out the underlying theory is unconvincing, especially because it overlooks the economic successes that markets have produced, making the critique seem one-sided.
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Bet On It Book Club: For a New Liberty, Chapter 3

Bet On It • 115 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. The state often does things—taking money without consent, forcing people to serve, or waging mass violence—that would be crimes if done by private individuals, and those acts should be judged by the same moral standard.
  2. Democratic approval or majority rule does not make rights violations right; popular support doesn’t legitimize theft, slavery, or murder.
  3. Rulers lean on intellectuals and ideology to normalize their power, and many modern policies reflect stubborn dogma and waste rather than simple exploitation.

*For a New Liberty* Book Club Reboot

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. A multi-week book club is being rebooted that will repost original chapter-by-chapter commentary every Friday and add fresh responses to readers’ comments. It starts Feb 6 and will run for about four months.
  2. The reading focuses on For a New Liberty, a provocative anarcho-capitalist book that’s deep and beautifully written. Participants are asked to read chapter 1 by next Friday.
  3. If readers like this weekly format, more favorite book clubs will be rebooted in the future. Interest from participants will determine whether the series continues.

Bet On It Book Club: For a New Liberty, Chapter 2

Bet On It • 75 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. The non-aggression axiom says no one may initiate physical force or threats against another person or their property, and that same standard should apply to governments, so actions like war, conscription, or taxation are morally suspect if done by the state.
  2. Property rights follow from self-ownership and rules of initial acquisition (Locke-style mixing), which ground the right to transfer or trade what you own and thus justify voluntary exchange.
  3. Basing rights on vague appeals to "natural" law is philosophically weak and calling rights "absolute" is misleading, yet treating property rights as flexible building blocks helps explain many social rules (for example, false alarms or trespass can be framed as property violations).

AMA

David Friedman’s Substack • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. He broadly favors libertarian/anarcho‑capitalist ideas because private markets and voluntary contracts usually produce better outcomes, but he admits practical limits and accepts that some state functions (like defense or disaster relief) might sometimes be the least bad option.
  2. Competition and market institutions are emphasized as powerful problem‑solvers — for example, competitive banking would drive seignorage to zero and market coordination often beats political hierarchy — while political decision‑making more often creates large failures.
  3. On policy and technology he prefers market liberalization and caution about heavy-handed regulation: he supports full drug legalization, thinks pausing AI is likely counterproductive, urges spending cuts rather than new taxes to fix debt, and is willing to take low‑probability bets like cryonics.

Eugenics and Libertarianism

David Friedman’s Substack • 233 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Eugenics has lost popularity since the horrors of the Nazi regime, but some practices resembling eugenics still exist today, especially in libertarian circles.
  2. Libertarian ideas about eugenics focus on parents having the choice to select the traits of their children rather than forcing decisions on them, which distinguishes it from historical coercive eugenics.
  3. Compulsory eugenics, which aimed to control reproduction, faced strong opposition from libertarians like Josiah Wedgewood, who argued for individual freedom and the rights of people against such regulations.

Detachment Theory

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1105 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Attachment Theory shows that humans are naturally social and need connections with others. It's common to see different ways people connect or avoid connecting with each other.
  2. The idea of being a self-reliant individual is a myth; we are all interconnected. Our economy is built on the work of countless others that we may never meet.
  3. In today's market society, people often feel anxious and detached. It's important to understand these feelings and seek support from each other rather than just striving for individual success.

On Liberty and Cruelty

Fake Noûs • 442 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Factory farming causes a lot of suffering for animals and is seen as wrong because it benefits humans in minor ways. If it's wrong to cause suffering, then buying products from factory farms is also wrong.
  2. Being a libertarian means having certain political beliefs, but it doesn't mean you can't hold other views, like advocating for ethical vegetarianism. It's important to recognize that ethical beliefs can be separate from political ideologies.
  3. Using logic that justifies harming animals, like saying they wouldn't exist without factory farming, can lead to troubling conclusions, such as justifying slavery. We should consider humane alternatives and questioning these justifications.

The Acolyte

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The actions of young DOGE workers reflect a lack of understanding and respect for government, resulting in harmful decisions, like cutting essential programs.
  2. Luke Farritor's story shows how talent can be misused when driven by a desire for approval from powerful figures, leading to actions that harm communities.
  3. A tech-oriented culture that dismisses government can create individuals who are overconfident and lack the experience needed to make thoughtful decisions, causing further damage.

Reflections of an Apostate

Fake Noûs • 542 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Libertarianism is built on skepticism about authority. People believe there shouldn't be government control over things that would be wrong for anyone else to do.
  2. Being a non-leftist in academia can be tough because there is often bias against conservative views. This bias can affect job opportunities and student experiences.
  3. Diverse viewpoints are important in academics. Having different ideas helps everyone to think better and avoid extreme groupthink.

Austerity for Fertility

Bet On It • 301 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🚌 Education Libertarianism
  1. Lower birth rates are a big concern, and some economists now think we need policies to raise them. They believe reducing government spending on education could help with this issue.
  2. Educational austerity suggests that cutting funding for non-STEM majors may lead to women finishing their studies sooner and starting families earlier.
  3. The idea is not about opposing education but rather focusing financial support on areas that might boost birth rates while reducing wasteful spending.

Greater FOOL Theory

In My Tribe • 1093 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The idea of who should make important decisions varies. Some believe it should be individuals, others say experts, and some think it should be decided by everyone voting.
  2. People often fear what others do, leading to ideas like restricting things just because someone might misuse them. This fear can come from both ordinary folks and elites.
  3. While real democracy has its problems because people may not be informed, relying on unelected officials can also make things worse. Finding a balance between the two is tough.

Porcfest

David Friedman’s Substack • 368 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The Free State Project has successfully encouraged libertarians to move to New Hampshire, where they now hold a significant portion of political power despite being a small part of the population.
  2. Porcfest is a casual, family-friendly festival that combines fun activities with discussions about libertarian ideas, attracting many engaged participants who contribute to the event.
  3. The children at Porcfest are impressively entrepreneurial and active, often running their own small businesses and engaging in various learning experiences, which highlights the community's unique upbringing.

The MAGA-Tech Partnership Was Never Meant to Last

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The partnership between Trump's populism and tech libertarianism was never stable and is showing signs of breaking down.
  2. Tech leaders tend to look for a future driven by innovation and technology, while Trump's movement focuses on past ideals, causing friction.
  3. Trust between figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump has weakened, and deeper policy disagreements are likely to increase.

Strategies for Libertarians

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Alliances between the Libertarian Party and other political movements can lead to small wins, but they may come with risks to the party's reputation. If the LP is seen as supporting Trump, it could turn away potential members who don't agree with his policies.
  2. Aligning too closely with non-libertarian figures can influence libertarian beliefs, causing a drift away from core principles. This might weaken the movement as Trump supporters join and those committed to traditional libertarian values leave.
  3. An alternative strategy suggests that libertarians should not bargain with major parties but encourage them to adopt libertarian policies in order to win votes. This approach protects the reputation of libertarianism while pushing both parties to appeal more to libertarian ideals.

Do Libertarians Barely Care About Liberty?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Many people say they care about things like relative income and equality, but few actually change their living situations to achieve those goals. Actions can show what we truly care about.
  2. While some libertarians do move to places they believe are more free, most don't leave their comfortable lives. This raises questions about how serious they are about their beliefs.
  3. Libertarians often prioritize job opportunities and family over relocating for more freedom. It's a trade-off between career satisfaction and their desire for liberty.

breach of social contract

bad cattitude • 157 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Libertarianism is often misunderstood by both the left and the right, each thinking the other side is just using libertarian ideas for their own gains.
  2. People who break the social contract by infringing on others' rights lose the protections that come with it, which means they can't expect fairness if they cause harm.
  3. Living peacefully with others means respecting their rights too. If someone violates that trust, it can lead to conflict, and the libertarian view is that they will not automatically receive the same respect in return.

Popuphobia’s Javier Milei Problem

Bet On It • 518 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Populism can be seen in a positive light when it speaks against corrupt elites. It can represent the voice of ordinary people wanting change.
  2. Javier Milei is an example of a populist leader in Argentina who has taken significant steps to challenge the established political system and improve the country's situation.
  3. Some critics dismiss populism entirely as bad, but it's important to recognize that not all populists are the same; some can actually promote good governance.

An Introduction to the Problem of Authority

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Political authority means the government has power over people, but there isn't a solid reason why they should have that power. We question if anyone should truly rule over others.
  2. Common ideas, like the social contract or democracy, are often debated and criticized. Many believe that just because a majority votes for something, it doesn't make it right, especially if it harms a minority.
  3. The recognition of personal rights and the belief that the government shouldn't have special rules for itself leads many to a more libertarian view, promoting the idea that individuals should be free from unjust coercion.

*Pro-Market and Pro-Business*: The Sheldon Richman Conversation

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Libertarianism
  1. Sheldon Richman was once a left-libertarian but has changed his views over time. It's interesting to see how people's beliefs can evolve as they learn more.
  2. The conversation touches on important topics like markets, business, and capitalism. Understanding these ideas can help us navigate our economy better.
  3. The speaker has been critical of left-libertarianism for years but finds Sheldon’s change in perspective notable. It's important to stay open to new ideas and discussions.

Ending the Welfare State is Not the End of the World

Bet On It • 332 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The welfare state often focuses more on helping relatively poor people at home rather than the absolutely poor people abroad. This shows a disconnect in truly helping those in need worldwide.
  2. There are different views on whether to prioritize helping the domestic poor or the global poor. It's possible for decent people to disagree on these priorities without labeling each other as hypocrites.
  3. Ending the welfare state wouldn't be catastrophic. In fact, there's an argument for letting people solve their own poverty through work opportunities, rather than relying solely on welfare.

Free Sociology

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Libertarianism
  1. Sociology often seems aligned with progressive views, making it seem like sociology and libertarianism are opposites. However, there are ways for them to connect and have important discussions.
  2. Many classical liberal ideas can lead to important research questions in sociology, especially about how free markets can help reduce poverty. This perspective is different from the common focus on the inevitability of poverty in capitalism.
  3. There is a need for a different approach within sociology that appreciates freedoms like free speech and limited government, rather than just focusing on government regulation or anti-capitalist views.

Some Austrian Answers

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The author's views on Austrian economics have not changed much over the years, but they've become more open to certain ideas, particularly regarding human behavior in economics.
  2. They believe that Austrian economists should focus more on using empirical psychology and less on philosophical debates to better understand economic behaviors.
  3. The author finds that reading Austrian economists has inspired new libertarian policy ideas and encourages others to do the same for creative thinking.

Hayek, republican freedom, and the minimum income

Hypertext • 139 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Milton Friedman supported unconditional cash transfers as a solution to poverty in a market economy.
  2. Hayek's republican freedom theory emphasized the importance of free markets and limited government as well as the need for a minimum income to safeguard individual freedom.
  3. Although Hayek did not endorse a Universal Basic Income (UBI), his principles offer a strong argument for a social safety net in the form of unconditional cash transfers.

Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 251 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Many people start with a simple understanding of economic theories, often identifying with one school without fully knowing its details. It takes time and deeper study to really understand the nuances between different economic thinkers.
  2. As people grow and learn, they often reassess their beliefs about economics and may find they resonate more with certain schools over others. It's okay to change your mind as you gain more knowledge.
  3. A strong pull toward empirical data and analysis can lead someone to align with mainstream economics rather than strictly adhering to one specific school of thought, like the Austrian School.

HOAs are really good, actually

Something to Consider • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) can be better than local governments because they allow residents to agree on rules that everyone follows, promoting cooperation. This means people can manage shared resources and maintain property values together.
  2. Many people choose to live in HOAs because they like the value and amenities these communities offer. Studies show that residents are willing to pay more for homes in these organized neighborhoods.
  3. Critics of HOAs often overlook that local governments can have similar restrictions, and people have a choice in whether to move into an HOA. This shows that voluntary agreements can work well for communities.

*Open Borders* Back in Print!

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The book 'Open Borders' is back in print and is considered the author's best work. It's aimed at showing the benefits of immigration.
  2. Despite fears about immigration policies worsening during crises, the author notes that immigration has generally returned to normal levels post-Covid.
  3. The author believes that immigration restrictions are harmful and that there's still hope for better immigration policies in the future, even amidst political challenges.

Gold and Brown

Unpopular Front • 97 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Libertarianism and fascism in the U.S. share surprising connections. Many people who identify as libertarians have been drawn to fascist ideas, showing how political beliefs can change over time.
  2. Both ideologies fundamentally distrust existing political structures. They believe that the state doesn’t serve everyone fairly and should be replaced with something that favors their specific interests.
  3. The push for privatization and corporate control often leads to the weakening of the state. This can confuse citizens, who may see these changes as improvements instead of a loss of their rights and freedoms.

Links to Consider, 2/18

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Misinformation experts can be biased and self-serving when classifying content, leading to selective communication in modern democracies.
  2. The social consensus on freedom can be fragile, with liberties suddenly deemed 'Problematic' by media outlets.
  3. Political beliefs are often about tribal alignment rather than logical reasoning, making persuasion through reason challenging.

Libertarian Poems

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
đź“š Literature Libertarianism
  1. Libertarian values emphasize personal freedom and individual rights. This means people should be able to live their lives as they choose.
  2. Poetry can be a powerful way to express political ideas and feelings. It helps share important messages in a creative way.
  3. The writings of famous authors contribute to the understanding of libertarian themes, showing how these ideas have been explored in literature.

Murray Rothbard on Me and Vice Versa

David Friedman’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
đź“– Philosophy Libertarianism
  1. Murray Rothbard criticized support for government as an intellectual mistake, highlighting his approach to argument in libertarianism.
  2. Disagreement with Rothbard on producing libertarian law in an anarcho-capitalist society due to differing views on law development and enforcement.
  3. Rothbard and Ayn Rand shared similar styles and approaches in their political views despite disagreements, with Rothbard eventually satirizing Rand in a play.

Yes, Libertarians Can Still Support Israel

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 28 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. Libertarians can support Israel by using common sense instead of strictly following ideology. It's important to look at the reality of the situation.
  2. Israel faces real security threats from nations and groups that oppose it. For them, taking action to protect themselves is a matter of survival.
  3. The U.S. should stay out of foreign conflicts and let Israel defend itself. More involvement could lead to costly mistakes and unintended consequences.