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Libertarianism in One Lesson: Why Libertarianism Is the Best Hope for America's Future
Newly updated! This is a comprehensively updated and rewritten edition of Bergland's classic introductory work. With insight and candor, Bergland answers the most common questions about the freedom What exactly is libertarianism? Does libertarianism work in the "real world"? The book lays out the central premise of libertarianism -- "you own yourself" -- and reveals how that deceptively simple statement has an enormous impact on the relationship between government and individuals. Bergland explains where libertarians stand on Social Security, gun rights, the War on Drugs, poverty, the environment, taxes, terrorism, and more. In a fast-paced Q&A chapter, he contrasts the conservative, liberal, and libertarian positions on major issues. Finally, he punctures the muddled thinking that encourages people to turn to government to solve problems. "The best brief introduction to libertarianism available. Bergland is anxious to provide as persuasive and comprehensive a case as he can, and wastes no time getting to the point... He has even adapted it so it can be readily used in classrooms, and sprinkles the book with short sections differentiating among liberal, conservative, and libertarian positions on current issues." --Brian Wilson, radio talk show host
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 3, 2010
I´m not a Libertarian, but I thought this was a concise discussion of what it means to be a Libertarian.
April 9, 2020
This was, overall, a pretty good view of mainstream libertarian party members' ideas about government, mostly excluding the significant minority of anarcho-capitalists, prior to the major shift away from principle and toward high scores on the third-party voting game. It is, overall, a very lucid treatment that could be quite persuasive to many people at that time. In particular, I think it could have changed a few minds amongst freedom-minded Republicans who weren't especially religiously motivated or believed God wanted everyone to be free, especially in the age of Ron Paul's candidacy for Republican presidential nomination.
Democrats of any kind might have a harder time with it. While the same rough balance of policy agreement probably applied to Democrats in crossover with these libertarian political ideas as to Republicans in the same crossover, I think the points of disagreement would be considered unacceptable in more cases for more freedom-oriented Democrats, except in cases where they were basically libertarians "infiltrating" the Democratic party because they thought Democrats were properly focused on certain liberty-oriented social goals. Those were likely to have left the Democratic party for more Ron Paul colored pastures, though, unless they got the wool pulled over their eyes about some of his policy ideas.
Since the end of the "Party Of Principle" era, though, the Libertarian Party has diverged quite a bit more from the picture painted by this book, making it a little outdated. Even worse now, the radicalization and polarization of US culture has gotten so extreme that people probably wouldn't even be receptive to this book. It seems like everyone's too busy voting against someone, or against an image rather than a person, to ever consider a "third path" political policy work like this.
It is not, in my opinion, a perfect set of policies, or the most potentially influential work for changing minds, but for what it is this is very well-written, clear, and informative. The best parts are extremely good, which goes a long way toward making up for the worst parts, which aren't all that bad.
Democrats of any kind might have a harder time with it. While the same rough balance of policy agreement probably applied to Democrats in crossover with these libertarian political ideas as to Republicans in the same crossover, I think the points of disagreement would be considered unacceptable in more cases for more freedom-oriented Democrats, except in cases where they were basically libertarians "infiltrating" the Democratic party because they thought Democrats were properly focused on certain liberty-oriented social goals. Those were likely to have left the Democratic party for more Ron Paul colored pastures, though, unless they got the wool pulled over their eyes about some of his policy ideas.
Since the end of the "Party Of Principle" era, though, the Libertarian Party has diverged quite a bit more from the picture painted by this book, making it a little outdated. Even worse now, the radicalization and polarization of US culture has gotten so extreme that people probably wouldn't even be receptive to this book. It seems like everyone's too busy voting against someone, or against an image rather than a person, to ever consider a "third path" political policy work like this.
It is not, in my opinion, a perfect set of policies, or the most potentially influential work for changing minds, but for what it is this is very well-written, clear, and informative. The best parts are extremely good, which goes a long way toward making up for the worst parts, which aren't all that bad.
July 11, 2016
“Libertarianism in One Lesson” is a nice, short introduction to libertarianism. It lives up to its stated purpose; it presents libertarian viewpoints on a wide range of different issues that we face in the modern-day world. As is expected in something billed as a summary, Bergland doesn’t delve too deeply into the issues. To a reader just learning about libertarianism, it is a great introduction. To those that are well-versed, this could serve as a nice gift to someone else that is on the fence or a potential future convert to libertarianism.
Bergland begins the book by explaining the basic premises behind libertarianism. He discusses the idea of self-ownership. We all have the right to control what we do to our bodies and to our property as long as these actions do not infringe upon the rights of others to do the same. Government exists for a limited purpose: to enforce those rights. All of government’s rights are derived from the governed, so it cannot do things to people that other people would not be allowed to do. For example, government cannot morally punish people for possession of or ingestion of drugs because I do not have the power to control what a fellow citizen puts in his or her body. Thus, I cannot give this power to the government because it does not exist. He then applies these concepts to, among other topics, foreign policy, drug policy, gun ownership, welfare/redistribution programs, and education.
I would recommend “Libertarianism in One Lesson” to anyone that wants to learn about libertarianism. This would also be a nice reference to point anyone who grossly distorts libertarian principles when trying to argue the opposing side. As a libertarian, one can be called a liberal, a conservative, a neoconservative, or an anarchist depending on the topic at hand. In reality, libertarianism is a consistent philosophy based on a few basic principles. This book does a good job at explaining those principles in an accessible way.
Bergland begins the book by explaining the basic premises behind libertarianism. He discusses the idea of self-ownership. We all have the right to control what we do to our bodies and to our property as long as these actions do not infringe upon the rights of others to do the same. Government exists for a limited purpose: to enforce those rights. All of government’s rights are derived from the governed, so it cannot do things to people that other people would not be allowed to do. For example, government cannot morally punish people for possession of or ingestion of drugs because I do not have the power to control what a fellow citizen puts in his or her body. Thus, I cannot give this power to the government because it does not exist. He then applies these concepts to, among other topics, foreign policy, drug policy, gun ownership, welfare/redistribution programs, and education.
I would recommend “Libertarianism in One Lesson” to anyone that wants to learn about libertarianism. This would also be a nice reference to point anyone who grossly distorts libertarian principles when trying to argue the opposing side. As a libertarian, one can be called a liberal, a conservative, a neoconservative, or an anarchist depending on the topic at hand. In reality, libertarianism is a consistent philosophy based on a few basic principles. This book does a good job at explaining those principles in an accessible way.
February 2, 2014
"Utopia is not an option." I feel like this fundamental truth is what's missing from so many peoples' political ideology. No amount of regulating vice; or meddling with businesses will create the perfect society. No shifty bureaucrat can manipulate our currency "just right" to make us all wealthy; and no amount of tomahawk missiles can free a population.
Libertarianism is based upon the philosophy of being pro-choice--not exclusive in reproductive matters, or in the market: but in all realms. So long as individuals aren't violating the few natural rights of their fellows, everything is permitted.
The only issue I take with this book, is Bergland's oversimplification of the traditional "liberal," and "conservative," ideologies. Of course, when contrasting the views, nuance will certainly suffer--but I feel like he took it to an unnecessary level.
If you're interested in libertarianism, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.
Libertarianism is based upon the philosophy of being pro-choice--not exclusive in reproductive matters, or in the market: but in all realms. So long as individuals aren't violating the few natural rights of their fellows, everything is permitted.
The only issue I take with this book, is Bergland's oversimplification of the traditional "liberal," and "conservative," ideologies. Of course, when contrasting the views, nuance will certainly suffer--but I feel like he took it to an unnecessary level.
If you're interested in libertarianism, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.
May 25, 2022
From the late David Bergland a great introduction into Libertarianism as a political philosophy and movement. A good refresher for those of us that already identify as Libertarian and a great book to introduce someone to the Liberty movement. Brief chapters broken down into logical sections which makes it easier understand and breakdown. I also loved the suggested reading section at the end which was very comprehensive.
August 12, 2007
Short and concise explanation of the libertarian philosophy and why it's the only political ideology that truly espouses respect for all individuals. After reading this book, you will not think about government the same way again.
September 12, 2020
This was my introduction to Libertarianism. It covers all the basics of what Libertarianism is and provides a clear description at a high level. I have given this book to many people and no one has ever told me they didn't like it.
February 1, 2011
Excellent primer on how libertarians propose to fix the US Government. Includes a wide range of issues including health care, the war on drugs, social security, foreign policy, economic policy, etc.
July 15, 2014
A good overview.
March 8, 2019
This was the very first liberty book I ever read in 2009. It helped me understand basic libertarian values and principles. It was a good first step for me in the liberty movement.
April 28, 2023
Having known Dave Bergland in the early days of the Libertarian Party of California, I expected a clear, concise explanation of the libertarian philosophy.
I am not disappointed.
Dave has done a good job of introducing this philosophy of human rights and individual liberty.
When he was the Libertarian candidate for president in 1984, I was not participating in politics to any degree or at any level. I did not even vote, from 1977 until 1990 when I got encouraged by the THRO movement -- "Throw the Hypocritical Rascals Out."
Before that, though, I was a serious activist, and was even a campaign manager for a Libertarian, Hal Jindrich, running for state school superintendent in 1974.
Of the entire Libertarian Party, almost no one gave any help to Hal Jindrich -- except David Bergland.
For that alone, I admired and appreciated Dave.
Now, just recently finding and reading his very good book, I am renewed in my respect for him, and I want to recommend this more-than-great introduction to everyone.
David Bergland, R.I.P. This ol' world needs a lot more like you.
I am not disappointed.
Dave has done a good job of introducing this philosophy of human rights and individual liberty.
When he was the Libertarian candidate for president in 1984, I was not participating in politics to any degree or at any level. I did not even vote, from 1977 until 1990 when I got encouraged by the THRO movement -- "Throw the Hypocritical Rascals Out."
Before that, though, I was a serious activist, and was even a campaign manager for a Libertarian, Hal Jindrich, running for state school superintendent in 1974.
Of the entire Libertarian Party, almost no one gave any help to Hal Jindrich -- except David Bergland.
For that alone, I admired and appreciated Dave.
Now, just recently finding and reading his very good book, I am renewed in my respect for him, and I want to recommend this more-than-great introduction to everyone.
David Bergland, R.I.P. This ol' world needs a lot more like you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews