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Libertarianism: A Primer
by
David Boaz
Tens of millions of Americans, from Generation X-ers to baby boomers and beyond, are rediscovering libertarianism, a visionary alternative to the tired party orthodoxies of left and right. In 1995 a Gallup poll found that 52 percent of Americans said "the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ord...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
February 4th 1998
by Free Press
(first published 1997)
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A must-read for any libertarian or anyone who describes themself as "conservative on economic issues, but against social control." Quite different from Murray's book (released also in 1997), Boaz concentrates on the development of the libertarian thought and then on practical issues. Boaz does a great job of tearing apart anyone's claim that we should all be equal, showing that the equality would unbalance itself very quickly. With the exception of equality of rights, libertarians realize that e...more
A good, solid overview of the principles of libertarianism with its focus on personal freedom and respect of others coupled with a desire for smaller government whose responsibility should remain with the protection of everyone’s human rights and not much else. While there seems to be a hint of rose-tinted glasses here and there, this is a sincere explanation of the basic tenets which make one think a lot about the so-called “benefits” of big government.
This is an essential primer of libertarian ideas starting with the premise that "Libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others." David Boaz has, in a positive way, written an introduction to libertarian thinking. Starting with a brief history of the roots of libertarianism he puts forward libertarian principles in chapters highlighting the nature and source of individual rights, morals and ethics...more
This was a good book that was very informative on the basic aspects of Libertarianism. If you are someone like me, one who really does not swing far right or left, believes in small government,social human rights, and liberty this may be a good read for you. It is very detailed and I found that it was easy to get bogged down in some spots. Overall, "Libertarianism: A Primer" is worth checking out.
Not utopia - just a framework for it, where individual rights are respected and government is the protector of those rights rather than a criminal syndicate.
It'll change the way you think. If it doesn't, you either already voted for a Libertarian (or, failing that, Ron Paul) or you're not a rational person.
This book does a good job of describing the Libertarian platform based on personal freedom, respect for the rights of others, and small government. It despises the big government social programs of the Democrats and the conservative attack on personal freedoms of the Republicans so it is not left or right leaning by definition. It builds on the Objectivism ideas proposed by Ann Rand and the policy stances of Milton Freedom to build the historical beginnings of the party.
If you're looking for a well-written introduction to libertarianism this is your book.
As a primer to this mode of thought, not as a valid mode of government.
Dec 27, 2009
Mohammed al-Safi
added it
Introduction to the philosophy of voluntaryism and non-aggression. Boring.
I was a libertarian in college but grew out of it.
Dec 11, 2010
Nedland P.
added it
Good introduction to libertarian ideals.
A good intro to libertarian thought and argument, although from a decidedly libertarian view. The book seeks to persuade, and does so effectively much of the time, but there are places where it is not too difficult to see that the subject has been over-simplified. That said, this book and the libertarian argument in general is quite seductive and should have you reevaluating old musty long-held assumptions in no time.
I give Libertarianism the book 3 stars. It wasn't nearly as entertaining as hearing Dr. Ron Paul go on about the nasty Federal Reserve, shutting down the Dept of Education, or going back on the gold standard, legalizing pornography and marijuana, or how building a fence in Texas is dangerous because it might be keeping American's in. We will leave it up to the straw poll and the people of Iowa to decide...
Is there a third way in American politics? This book provides a solid explanation of the third way. Everyone asks what a libertarian is and why I choose to be one. This book provides the answers. It isn't worth reading if you're not open minded. Some of the presentation is dated like race relations and marriage. It is perhaps the best explanation of libertarianism that I've read.
This book taught me that libertarianism is not an evil corporate system that will convert all roads into toll roads, and make me pay my fire department before services can be rendered. It also taught me that my inclination to be left alone might not be misanthropy, but an expression of the individual liberty that is my birthright. Sweet!
In spite of its dogmatic title this is a fascinating survey of the history of the notion of limited government.
An easy and comprehensive explanation on Libertarianism, especially the chapter on current issues.
Very informative and enlightening and helps you understand the true purpose of government.
More detailed explanation of the libertarian political philosophy. A truly enlightening book.
Skip the introduction as it is a bit dated, but the principles in the book are timeless.
Anarchy for rich people. Pass on this and read Kropotkin or Goldman instead.
You might still be wrongheaded after reading this book, but it's worth reading anyway.
This book was great, especially about voluntarism.
Ummm...still a Dem, but a nice overview ...
Very good primer to Libertarianism
May 20, 2013
Dan Johnson
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Wallywoof
marked it as to-read
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“Libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others. Libertarians defend each person's right to life, liberty, and property - rights that people possess naturally, before governments are created. In the libertarian view, all human relationships should voluntary; the only actions that should be forbidden by law are those that involve the initiation of force against those who have themselves used force - actions like murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and fraud. ”
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8 people liked it
“Those who claim to believe in liberal principals but advocate more and more confiscation of the wealth created by productive people, more and more exceptions to property rights and the rule of law, more and more transfer of power from society to state, are unwittingly engaged in the ultimately deadly undermining of civilization.”
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2 people liked it
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20 de Mar 13:29