What is a Libertarian? The Foundations of Freedom

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party and the fastest growing party in the United States. When people hear the term libertarian, they may think of the Gadsden flag and the phrase: “don’t tread on me.” I tend to encounter conservative leaning people who may think of libertarians as liberals and liberal leaning people who may think of libertarians as conservatives. The truth is Libertarians believe in both economic and personal freedom for all people and that means limiting government power as much as possible. In this "What is a Libertarian?" series, we will explore what Libertarians generally believe, starting with the philosophy behind the political party and then addressing specific policy topics.

At the core, Libertarians believe in the inherent value of every person and the right to self-determination. Because you were born human, we believe that you have a natural right to live your life freely, so long as you also do not violate the rights of other people to do the same. No person can own another human being. All human rights stem from self-ownership or the right to determine how you live your life. This understanding is reflected in the two main principles of libertarianism: the non-aggression principle and the self-defense principle.

The Non-Aggression Principle

Libertarianism celebrates the inherent value of human life and the freedom for all people to live fulfilling lives. The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) reflects the golden rule to treat others as you would want to be treated or in the negative to not treat people the way you wouldn’t want to be treated. Following this principle is about living in peace with yourself and your neighbor.

Libertarians believe that people should not violate the rights and freedoms of other people. Simply put, people should not steal from others. Do not steal someone’s life, autonomy, or property (that which someone has procured to secure their life or their loved ones’ lives).

When we think about what is right and what is wrong, this isn’t complicated. I wouldn’t attack or steal from my neighbor because I wouldn’t want to be attacked or stolen from either. Even if someone wants to steal my money to give to someone in need, we know this is still theft and wrong. If my neighbor is in need, I can willingly give what I am able. People drive markets with their needs and wants so it’s not surprising that every time the government tries to artificially manipulate the economy, this has created black markets such as with alcohol prohibition. When we treat everyone with respect and dignity, we all can live prosperous and peaceful lives together.

The Self-Defense Principle

The right to life and liberty are fundamental and therefore if someone attempts to violate these rights, a person then has the right to defend their life, autonomy, and property with varying levels of reasonable force.

On a more benign level, we may encounter people who tell us what they think we should or should not do with our lives. We can choose to ignore these people or tell them that it’s none of their business. We can also choose to listen to their advice and implement their suggestions as we see fit. We all have the right to speak and express ourselves and we can also defend ourselves with our words or silence.

If someone trespasses on your property, you are entitled to ask them to leave. If they refuse, you may escalate with physical force to remove them in order to protect your home and family. If someone steals from you, you have the right to retrieve the item or to just compensation. If someone attacks you, then you have the right to defend yourself with weapons of opportunity up to and including deadly force when you believe your life is in danger. Everyone has the right to life until they threaten the life of an innocent person. Because life is inherently valuable, it is worth defending to the death.

Libertarians believe that the sole purpose of government was instituted by people to help protect property rights from the violations of others. If someone is murdered, then the government can bring the murderer to justice and hopefully prevent a future violation of human rights. Property ownership deeds can be recorded and kept by local governments for the purpose of protecting the rights and interests of people who acquire land. Courts can interpret laws and settle monetary disputes between people and businesses. Diffusing power between separate branches and levels of government helps protect the people from corruption of power and the violation of our rights and freedom. The Constitution exists to restrict government power and remind everyone that We the People give government the power to legislate and enforce laws to protect our rights and freedom.

Liberty, Responsibility, & Compassion

As Thomas Jefferson explained: “Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.” 

With freedom comes great responsibility. Libertarians believe that every able-minded adult has the right of conscience to decide how to live a good life. We will make mistakes at times, but it is our right to learn and grow from our own choices. No one can force us to do what they think is best for us – ultimately each person knows what is best for them or can determine it through trial and error or by observing others. We recognize every person has inherent value in addition to talents and skills that benefit one another on the free market. Money is a resource that represents a 'thank you' note for the products and services we agree to exchange.

People also have a responsibility to steward and protect children and people with debilitating disabilities who cannot look after themselves. Individual rights and liberties give everyone the opportunity to be in community with one another and solve various problems to benefit humanity through private charity. No one has the right to force their will onto another person, only to strive to persuade them with their words or to lead by example. Living in a free society means navigating these challenges and caring for one another as we build a better world together.

Learn more about the spiritual roots of libertarianism and the history and political platform of the Libertarian Party in the next articles of this series!

“The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.” -Thomas Jefferson

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