The hottest Libertarianism Substack posts right now

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Reflections of an Apostate

Fake Noûs • 542 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Academia Libertarianism Ideology Diversity
  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.

Do Libertarians Barely Care About Liberty?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Migration Freedom Political Ideologies Taxation
  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.

Detachment Theory

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1105 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Neoliberalism Individualism
  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.

Greater FOOL Theory

In My Tribe • 1093 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Libertarianism Government Regulations
  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.

An Introduction to the Problem of Authority

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Libertarianism Authority Social contract Democracy
  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.
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Free Sociology

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Sociology Libertarianism Political theory Academic Research Community Building
  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.

Popuphobia’s Javier Milei Problem

Bet On It • 518 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Political theory Political Movements 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.

Ending the Welfare State is Not the End of the World

Bet On It • 332 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Welfare state Libertarianism Social justice Immigration Policy
  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.

Libertarian Poems

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Libertarianism Creative Writing Political themes Social Commentary
  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.

Libertarian Economics in Inaugural Addresses

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Libertarianism Government Policy
  1. Inaugural addresses often reflect the economic principles that leaders want to follow. Many past speeches hint at a preference for free markets and limited government.
  2. Libertarians see value in the idea of a smaller government that doesn't interfere too much in people's lives. They believe that economic success comes when individuals are free to pursue their interests.
  3. Many past presidents acknowledged the importance of fairness and opportunity for all citizens. They emphasized that economic policies should not favor certain groups at the expense of others.

Some Austrian Answers

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Theory Libertarianism Philosophy Behavioral Economics
  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.

Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 251 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Economic Theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  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.

Gold and Brown

Unpopular Front • 97 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Fascism Democracy Politics History
  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.

*Open Borders* Back in Print!

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Libertarianism Demographics Political trends
  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.

Trump's Neo-Fusionism

Unpopular Front • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Libertarianism Political theory Coalitions
  1. Trump's new approach, called Neo-Fusionism, mixes both national populism and libertarian ideas. This means he supports average people's values while also favoring some libertarian policies.
  2. There's a conflict between wanting a strong government to push Trump's agenda and the libertarian wish to reduce government power. This creates challenges in balancing these different beliefs.
  3. Understanding the different thinkers, like Rothbard and Francis, helps to explain the complexities and contradictions in Trump's coalition and overall politics.

How the gender pay gap gave me empathy for men

Sex and the State • 61 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Philosophy Feminism Libertarianism Social norms
  1. The gender pay gap is often influenced by personal choices, like marriage and childbirth, rather than just discrimination. It's important to look at how societal expectations shape these choices.
  2. Both men and women face pressures from cultural norms about gender roles. Blaming individuals for broader systemic issues is unfair and ignores the real struggles they face.
  3. Men, especially those struggling in today's society, experience loneliness and pressure to conform to traditional masculinity. Understanding their challenges can help us all work towards a more empathetic society.

Hayek, republican freedom, and the minimum income

Hypertext • 139 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Welfare Economics Libertarianism Income
  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.

Murray Rothbard on Me and Vice Versa

David Friedman’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Libertarianism Moral Philosophy
  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.

Links to Consider, 2/18

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Libertarianism Political Beliefs Elite Institutions
  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.

HOAs are really good, actually

Something to Consider • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Libertarianism Local Politics Property Rights
  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.

Immigration in an Nth-Best World

Bet On It • 130 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Libertarianism Policy
  1. In a society like ours, that is neither fully libertarian nor totalitarian, libertarians face challenges in deciding which proposals to support in order to promote the freedom philosophy effectively.
  2. Libertarians must address the problems caused by the mixed economy, such as issues related to public property, like parks and buildings, while advocating for privatization.
  3. Supporting open borders aligns with libertarian principles of nonaggression, promotes individual liberty, and is economically sound according to experts like Bryan Caplan.

The Techtopian Belief Systems of our Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Transhumanism Libertarianism Digital Culture Technological progress Ethics
  1. Belief systems in the digital age go beyond just religion and include ideologies like transhumanism and techtopianism.
  2. Transhumanism aims to enhance humanity with technology, including genetic engineering, cybernetics, computing, and brain uploading.
  3. Techtopians believe technology can solve all problems, relying on billionaires as agents of social change while overlooking the importance of culture and sociology.

Solving the gay marriage gordian knot, or why you should be a libertarian

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism
  1. The gay marriage issue is very complicated, with disagreements about federal and state rights. This makes it hard for people to have clear political views on the topic.
  2. A possible solution is to completely separate marriage from the government. People should be able to create their own marriage contracts without state involvement.
  3. Removing government benefits for married couples would create equality. Everyone, regardless of their relationship type, could have the same rights without depending on government approval.

More on decoupling marriage and the state

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Civil Rights Social justice Government Role
  1. The main issue with marriage inequality is not about love or tradition, but about access to government benefits. Only married couples get certain perks, which creates inequality between straight and gay couples.
  2. Marriage shouldn't rely on government recognition or benefits. It's a private agreement between people, and the government should not dictate the terms of it or monopolize marriage contracts.
  3. Removing state involvement in marriage allows for more freedom. People can create their own agreements without the pressure of government rules, and this change could also support a broader acceptance of different kinds of relationships.

On Searches and Seizures

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Law enforcement Constitutional Law Libertarianism Criminal Justice
  1. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, meaning the police need reasonable suspicion or consent to stop you and check your belongings.
  2. While you should know your rights during police encounters, it's sometimes practical to comply rather than escalate the situation, especially if you're unsure of the laws in your area.
  3. Many people don't know their rights, which can lead to unfair treatment by law enforcement. Being aware and asserting your rights can help discourage police misconduct.

On capitalism and the ethics of the endtimes

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 11
📖 Philosophy Ethics Capitalism Libertarianism Societal norms Market Dynamics
  1. Rapture insurance is a product being sold that promises to take care of pets if their owners disappear during the Rapture. Some people think it’s silly, but others see a market for it.
  2. It's debated whether it should be legal to sell rapture insurance, especially considering it can't be verified if it will pay out. However, as long as fraud is avoided, it might not be a problem.
  3. Price gouging on rapture insurance raises questions about market fairness. While prices should reflect risk, it's unsettling if people exploit fear for profit, especially during uncertain times.

Hypocrisy and Libertarianism

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jun 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Authoritarianism Political culture
  1. Hypocrisy in politics often comes from people promoting strict rules they don't follow themselves. For example, a politician who wants to ban something but does it anyway shows personal or political hypocrisy.
  2. The idea of hypocrisy is mainly linked to authoritarian views. If someone supports a policy that restricts others' freedoms but doesn't follow it, that's when the accusations fly.
  3. Even if someone benefits from a policy they oppose, like a politician using Medicare, it doesn't always make them a hypocrite. People can still operate within the system while wanting to change it.

On Unusual Occupations

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social movements Protests Political theory Libertarianism Activism
  1. People are wondering what the Occupy Wall Street movement really stands for, as it seems to lack specific demands. Many participants feel frustrated about job opportunities despite their education, which suggests they come from a more privileged background.
  2. There are similarities between Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party, mainly in their shared distrust of banks and government. However, Occupy Wall Street feels more like a loose group without clear goals, making it less likely to achieve real change.
  3. Liberals tend to romanticize movements like Occupy Wall Street while conservatives often dismiss them. The landscape of protest isn't just for liberals anymore; conservatives have their own movements that use similar tactics.

On Ron Paul + Linkin' Logs

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions Elections Civil Liberties Libertarianism Political Commentary
  1. Ron Paul has lost support because of his past connections to segregationist ideas and conspiracy theories. Many people can no longer back him as a candidate due to these revelations.
  2. Despite his discrediting, Ron Paul raised important issues about civil liberties and foreign policy that were not addressed by other candidates. His absence is seen as a loss for the Republican party and the country.
  3. The search for a credible libertarian politician who can effectively advocate for important issues continues, and there's a feeling of frustration over the lack of options available.

Libertarian thoughts on MLK Jr. day

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Libertarianism Government Role Racial Justice Political Philosophy
  1. American greatness is shown through the struggles for civil rights, like the fights against slavery and segregation. These movements highlight the importance of moral justice in democracy.
  2. Libertarian values support equal opportunities in the market. If discrimination exists, it disrupts fairness, making civil rights essential even from an economic perspective.
  3. Civil rights laws help eliminate state-enforced discrimination and support a freer market. Proponents of anti-civil rights ideas aren't true libertarians but may be confusing their stance with conservatism.

Why I'm a libertarian and not a liberal, part one: consenting adults

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Government Role Civil Rights
  1. Libertarians believe that adults should be free to do what they want, as long as it doesn't harm others. Everyone has their own idea of happiness, and that's okay.
  2. The government should not give special benefits for marriage because it takes away individual freedom. Everyone should be able to create their own agreements without state interference.
  3. Getting rid of government involvement in marriage helps everyone, including those in non-traditional relationships. It's about allowing people to define their own relationships without government restrictions.

Why I'm a libertarian, part two: the cost of good intentions

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism State power Civil Liberties Public Policy Government intervention
  1. The government can sometimes do more harm than good when trying to prevent problems. This means we have to be careful about how much power we give the state.
  2. Just because an idea sounds good doesn't mean it will work as planned. Often, government actions can have unexpected negative effects that people don't see coming.
  3. It's important to remember that some issues are better left alone. Sometimes doing nothing might be the best option to avoid causing more problems.

What I'm reading this week

The Oyster Club • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics DEI AI Social media Free speech Libertarianism
  1. The article discusses the UCLA controversy, highlighting issues with ideological rigidity, the importance of nuance, and the chilling effect of campus authoritarianism.
  2. The piece on AI hype and doomerism delves into the extremes of utopianism and apocalypticism, suggesting that AI is just another tool, not the end of now.
  3. The analysis of Twitter and context collapse explains how misunderstandings, in-jokes, and differing contexts can lead to conflicts, bias, and assumptions on social media.