I Tweeted this idea tonight, and in case someone followed the Tweet, I thought I’d follow up here.
Liberty is a thought that operates on the concept of a person acting in their “own best self interest.” But what exactly does this mean?
Well, context plays very much into this concept. The operative word, as I said in my Tweet, is “best.”
The word ‘best’ means you do your best to take everything into account, and making a value judgment accordingly.
A person can act in their ‘self interest’ but not do so in their ‘best' self interest. To murder someone for a dollar is a prime example. You might get the dollar but then risk spending the rest of your life in prison. Even if one gets away with it, is it worth looking over your shoulder for the rest of you life in worry and panic?
Your 'best' self interest implies that you take such consequences into account. Which requires thought.
So “best” self interest implies thought, which means considering the consequences. Different ways of saying the same thing.
Liberty requires the ‘best’ thought that we can construct. Liberty is always thinking in terms of what is our own ‘best’ self interest. What is the best I can do? What is the highest ideal I can strive to aim for, achieve and adhere to?
Being Libertarian isn’t about doing whatever you want. It is doing the ‘best’ that you can, in every context you can conceive of.
And the thing is, if I operate, act, in my own ‘best’ self interest, I also operate in your best self interest, automatically.
That is the beauty.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Predicate of Real Thought
The importance of thought is all-too-often overlooked. However, the preceding statement needs to be qualified. In a manner of speaking, there is thought and then there is thought. Not all thought is the same. Not all thought is of the same kind, quality, coherence, accuracy, validity or utility. The word is often used in a generalized context without clear and appropriate meaning. Sometimes what is meant is not “thought” at all.
When Henry Ford said, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it” he wasn’t using the word “think” in the same sense that someone says, “I think I’ll have a beer.” In this case the context means everything and is a determining value of the actual meaning of the word. Merely having words run around in your head is not “thinking” in the strictest sense of the word. The latter could be called a form of mental activity but is not thinking in the full sense of the word.
When defining words one gets into the problem of whether it is a denotation of a given term or applying a connotation of the same term. For example, I can refer to a “dog” and two people, depending upon their own unique experiences, will have differing associations relating to that word. One may only have experience with poodles while the other with Great Danes and while each knows the generic meaning of the term until the definition is qualified they may be “thinking” of entirely different connotations in reference to the term. Of such misunderstanding arise.
In that regard, a very specific connotation will be applied to the word “think” so that the intent will be clear as possible. Now there may be some who will seek to quibble with such definitions but this is not a discussion on philosophy in the general sense. For the sake of this exposition certain characteristics concerning life as a human being are going to be presumed.
Since the subject being examined here is Liberty then existence as a human being and the existence of other human beings is going to be taken as self-evident, as a given, since the subject itself cannot be entertained without presuming these as facts. The wider philosophical discussion as to whether they are facts, and, epistemologically, how we know they are facts is for another time and place and will not be considered here. The subject of Liberty must presuppose the existence a society as well for it to have any cultural or moral meaning otherwise it merely equates to naked naturalistic survival.
The thought required to articulate and understand the concept of Liberty demands these presumptions. Lacking them the discussion will simply degenerate into an endless tangle of conflicting assumptions and assertions, none of which would be fruitful. Liberty, to have any meaning, must be subject to a precise definition and this means clarity of thought. Thus the care in defining and qualifying the meaning of the word “thought” upon which the word Liberty is predicated. All else will consequently derive from the meaning, coherence, validity, integrity and efficacy of that premise, that we think.
When Henry Ford said, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it” he wasn’t using the word “think” in the same sense that someone says, “I think I’ll have a beer.” In this case the context means everything and is a determining value of the actual meaning of the word. Merely having words run around in your head is not “thinking” in the strictest sense of the word. The latter could be called a form of mental activity but is not thinking in the full sense of the word.
When defining words one gets into the problem of whether it is a denotation of a given term or applying a connotation of the same term. For example, I can refer to a “dog” and two people, depending upon their own unique experiences, will have differing associations relating to that word. One may only have experience with poodles while the other with Great Danes and while each knows the generic meaning of the term until the definition is qualified they may be “thinking” of entirely different connotations in reference to the term. Of such misunderstanding arise.
In that regard, a very specific connotation will be applied to the word “think” so that the intent will be clear as possible. Now there may be some who will seek to quibble with such definitions but this is not a discussion on philosophy in the general sense. For the sake of this exposition certain characteristics concerning life as a human being are going to be presumed.
Since the subject being examined here is Liberty then existence as a human being and the existence of other human beings is going to be taken as self-evident, as a given, since the subject itself cannot be entertained without presuming these as facts. The wider philosophical discussion as to whether they are facts, and, epistemologically, how we know they are facts is for another time and place and will not be considered here. The subject of Liberty must presuppose the existence a society as well for it to have any cultural or moral meaning otherwise it merely equates to naked naturalistic survival.
The thought required to articulate and understand the concept of Liberty demands these presumptions. Lacking them the discussion will simply degenerate into an endless tangle of conflicting assumptions and assertions, none of which would be fruitful. Liberty, to have any meaning, must be subject to a precise definition and this means clarity of thought. Thus the care in defining and qualifying the meaning of the word “thought” upon which the word Liberty is predicated. All else will consequently derive from the meaning, coherence, validity, integrity and efficacy of that premise, that we think.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Why this Blog
At first I thought that perhaps this blog would be unnecessary. There are a lot of fine blogs and websites out there discussing the issues of Individual Liberty and the principles underlying being Libertarian. However, a deeper understanding of the philosophical ideas underpinning the concept of Liberty often doesn’t appear to be well delineated, defined and understood by general populace. Consequently a great many people wrongly attribute ideas, concepts and policies to it which are not warranted and do not actually derive from it.
This building of “straw man” arguments against Libertarianism due to this lack of clear definition, creating an at times intentional misunderstanding of what it entails, represents some of the most common arguments and outright challenges that must overcome. The opposition to Liberty is continual, often subtle and relentless in its abundance of disingenuous arguments. It is only by clearly elucidating what the Libertarian principles in fact consist of can these arguments be defeated.
The Flash program, “The Philosophy of Liberty” is about the finest primer available clearly outlining the meaning, universal applicability and value of the concept of Individual Liberty but since it is, by necessity of its brevity, somewhat rudimentary, it seems many people feel free (!) to dispute both its premise and it implications. This leads me to conclude that further exposition on the founding premises, meaning and ramifications of the concept are warranted.
Part of the problem is that many, if not most, Libertarians focus more intently upon everyday issues than philosophy. This is not to say this is not as it should be. But while often educated and highly conversant on the subject of Libertarian philosophy when pressed, many don’t often see the importance of communicating the underlying fundamentals when speaking to people unfamiliar with them. For this reason Libertarian Ideals and Principles are all-too-often mischaracterized and/or rejected by virtue of a less than full understanding of all they encompass. This becomes a misfortune for the party, for those that love Liberty and for our nation as a whole.
Clearly and concisely communicating the primary, fundamental, inherent and self-evident concepts underlying the concept of Individual Liberty is crucial to making the case for its application politically. If someone wrongly fails to discern the difference between anarchy and Libertarianism, for example, then the case is lost before it is ever made. At the same time the arguments cannot become too complicated or the person will be lost long before he or she ever becomes convinced. Sadly this is all too often the case.
Fully understanding the concept of self-ownership as it translates into everyday life and the advocacy of Individual Liberty, and how this in turn plays into the meaning of the concept of Individual Rights, is no easy accomplishment. If it were, it would be more common, more universally understood and accepted. Yet educating our fellow citizens to achieve such an understanding is the task we must not fail in if we are to save this nation by returning it to the fulfillment of its original purpose: The promise of Individual Liberty.
Before posting this I need to note I spent several days Googling “Libertarian Philosophers” and “Libertarian Philosophy” and the like to make sure I wasn’t re-inventing the wheel. There is a lot of information out there in this area for the diligent researcher but my specialty is restating subjects in a language more accessible to the layman not familiar with given issues. I hope that I will be able to do this in the posts to come. Notwithstanding the fact that this isn’t really the way this has started out.
This building of “straw man” arguments against Libertarianism due to this lack of clear definition, creating an at times intentional misunderstanding of what it entails, represents some of the most common arguments and outright challenges that must overcome. The opposition to Liberty is continual, often subtle and relentless in its abundance of disingenuous arguments. It is only by clearly elucidating what the Libertarian principles in fact consist of can these arguments be defeated.
The Flash program, “The Philosophy of Liberty” is about the finest primer available clearly outlining the meaning, universal applicability and value of the concept of Individual Liberty but since it is, by necessity of its brevity, somewhat rudimentary, it seems many people feel free (!) to dispute both its premise and it implications. This leads me to conclude that further exposition on the founding premises, meaning and ramifications of the concept are warranted.
Part of the problem is that many, if not most, Libertarians focus more intently upon everyday issues than philosophy. This is not to say this is not as it should be. But while often educated and highly conversant on the subject of Libertarian philosophy when pressed, many don’t often see the importance of communicating the underlying fundamentals when speaking to people unfamiliar with them. For this reason Libertarian Ideals and Principles are all-too-often mischaracterized and/or rejected by virtue of a less than full understanding of all they encompass. This becomes a misfortune for the party, for those that love Liberty and for our nation as a whole.
Clearly and concisely communicating the primary, fundamental, inherent and self-evident concepts underlying the concept of Individual Liberty is crucial to making the case for its application politically. If someone wrongly fails to discern the difference between anarchy and Libertarianism, for example, then the case is lost before it is ever made. At the same time the arguments cannot become too complicated or the person will be lost long before he or she ever becomes convinced. Sadly this is all too often the case.
Fully understanding the concept of self-ownership as it translates into everyday life and the advocacy of Individual Liberty, and how this in turn plays into the meaning of the concept of Individual Rights, is no easy accomplishment. If it were, it would be more common, more universally understood and accepted. Yet educating our fellow citizens to achieve such an understanding is the task we must not fail in if we are to save this nation by returning it to the fulfillment of its original purpose: The promise of Individual Liberty.
~~~
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Realization of Liberty
It all begins with a thought that gives rise to a principle that is the foundation upon which the concept of Liberty rests.
The thought acquires its full potential and efficacy when applied to both itself and to the person who holds it with equal clarity. It is a self evident truth that many shun, hide from, relinquish or simply fail to see. This last predominates since the all encompassing nature of this particular thought isn’t easy to grasp. In fact, it can only be fully embraced by thoroughly contemplating the profound significance of its meaning.
In other words, the first true manifestation of this concept takes place when an individual decides to recognize it as utterly valid and applicable to that very person. The thought “I own myself” is simultaneously a recognition of truth, a dawning comprehension and, most importantly, a conscious choice.
Fully comprehended in all its glory it is the realization of Liberty.
The thought acquires its full potential and efficacy when applied to both itself and to the person who holds it with equal clarity. It is a self evident truth that many shun, hide from, relinquish or simply fail to see. This last predominates since the all encompassing nature of this particular thought isn’t easy to grasp. In fact, it can only be fully embraced by thoroughly contemplating the profound significance of its meaning.
In other words, the first true manifestation of this concept takes place when an individual decides to recognize it as utterly valid and applicable to that very person. The thought “I own myself” is simultaneously a recognition of truth, a dawning comprehension and, most importantly, a conscious choice.
Fully comprehended in all its glory it is the realization of Liberty.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Foundation of Liberty
It all begins with a thought. But it also depends upon what that thought is. All too often thought is simply taken for granted. Some thoughts are merely inconsequential while others are central to what we are and define our very existence as human beings. Such thoughts have great power, the power to create and liberate, and are always intentional and require great effort. The opposite kind of thoughts, which are merely the byproducts of a lazy and unfocused mind, require little if any effort and all too often have the power to enslave and destroy. Short of that they are merely a waste of precious time, that is to say, of life.
One thought in particular has incredible weight and value yet is so obvious that it too is all-too-often taken for granted. This being the case, if stated overtly it is quickly acknowledged and its importance just as quickly dismissed. In this dismissal lies a great tragedy because in doing so people also unthinkingly cast away their freedom, although they are never fully cognizant of this fact. All for want of truly considering, examining and comprehending a fundamental thought, an idea.
A central fact of existence is that a person’s mind is part and parcel with his or her body, they are inseparable. The implications of this fact are rarely, if ever, carefully contemplated. The one thing that every person possesses that cannot be controlled by any other person is the contents of his or her mind. In this sense then it can be said that the first possession every person owns is contents of his or her mind. And since the mind and the body are inseparable it follows that every person owns him or her self in entirety. This thought is typically and most often stated in the simple maxim, “You own yourself.”
The full weight of this thought is more fully felt when spoken in the first person, “I own myself.” The power and responsibility of this statement is something that some people, many people perhaps, shrink from, and in doing so relinquish their very freedom. In that moment they also forsake the opportunity of taking control of their own lives, and as the poet said, all the remains is to lead lives of quiet desperation.
This thought, the concept of self ownership, is both the foundation and the pinnacle of what it is to be a human being. It encompasses the whole spectrum of human experience.
Without it a person is either a slave to circumstance, or to others. Grasping and embracing it a person gladly assumes the mantle of individual responsibility for life and all that comes with it.
It all begins with a thought - this self-evident truth of self ownership. From this springs a whole plethora of correlatives, inexorable and inescapable ramifications and conclusions that derive from the power, weight and import of this single concept. In an unfathomable turn of events it even contains itself, for an individual must own the idea before it becomes valid, reveals its value and makes available all its inherent power. At that point it becomes more than a thought, it becomes a principle.
And that principle is the foundation of Liberty.
One thought in particular has incredible weight and value yet is so obvious that it too is all-too-often taken for granted. This being the case, if stated overtly it is quickly acknowledged and its importance just as quickly dismissed. In this dismissal lies a great tragedy because in doing so people also unthinkingly cast away their freedom, although they are never fully cognizant of this fact. All for want of truly considering, examining and comprehending a fundamental thought, an idea.
A central fact of existence is that a person’s mind is part and parcel with his or her body, they are inseparable. The implications of this fact are rarely, if ever, carefully contemplated. The one thing that every person possesses that cannot be controlled by any other person is the contents of his or her mind. In this sense then it can be said that the first possession every person owns is contents of his or her mind. And since the mind and the body are inseparable it follows that every person owns him or her self in entirety. This thought is typically and most often stated in the simple maxim, “You own yourself.”
The full weight of this thought is more fully felt when spoken in the first person, “I own myself.” The power and responsibility of this statement is something that some people, many people perhaps, shrink from, and in doing so relinquish their very freedom. In that moment they also forsake the opportunity of taking control of their own lives, and as the poet said, all the remains is to lead lives of quiet desperation.
This thought, the concept of self ownership, is both the foundation and the pinnacle of what it is to be a human being. It encompasses the whole spectrum of human experience.
Without it a person is either a slave to circumstance, or to others. Grasping and embracing it a person gladly assumes the mantle of individual responsibility for life and all that comes with it.
It all begins with a thought - this self-evident truth of self ownership. From this springs a whole plethora of correlatives, inexorable and inescapable ramifications and conclusions that derive from the power, weight and import of this single concept. In an unfathomable turn of events it even contains itself, for an individual must own the idea before it becomes valid, reveals its value and makes available all its inherent power. At that point it becomes more than a thought, it becomes a principle.
And that principle is the foundation of Liberty.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Wellspring of Liberty
It begins with something so small, so ephemeral, so inconsequential it cannot be seen, felt or measured. There is no way to prove it actually exists and is only known by its results. Yet it is the most powerful thing known to humanity for without it nothing in the human realm would take place. It is the source of all the myriad of worthwhile things.
Although it is known to all, most dismiss it as too common and trivial to be of any real significance. However it is so valuable that all things of value owe their value to its very existence. It is everyone’s common possession that if not ruled rules instead.
Left unrestrained it creates endless grief, misery and havoc in the world but controlled and focused is also the source for all its achievements. When pointed out for what it is, it is dismissed as a mere thought.
Which is undeniably true, it is just a thought.
It all begins with thought. It simply depends upon what that thought is.
And Liberty is nothing more than a thought. If you think about it.
Although it is known to all, most dismiss it as too common and trivial to be of any real significance. However it is so valuable that all things of value owe their value to its very existence. It is everyone’s common possession that if not ruled rules instead.
Left unrestrained it creates endless grief, misery and havoc in the world but controlled and focused is also the source for all its achievements. When pointed out for what it is, it is dismissed as a mere thought.
Which is undeniably true, it is just a thought.
It all begins with thought. It simply depends upon what that thought is.
And Liberty is nothing more than a thought. If you think about it.
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