Good Books on Libertarianism?

[Circe]

I've called myself a libertarian for years -- since I became completely disillusioned with the Republican Party about 2006.

But I suddenly realized I didn't really know what that meant! I am now finishing up David Boaz' "Libertarianism" and --- I'm in love. I need another good book on Libertarianism, to read next.

Does anyone have a favorite, or suggestions?

 

[Circe]

Bump.

I never do that, normally, but I really want suggestions for reading about Libertarianism.

 

[Book of Jeremiah]

Me too. I'll have to pick up the book you are speaking of. Thanks. - Jeri

 

[midcan5]

'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' by Robert Nozick

'What It Means to Be a Libertarian' Charles Murray

'The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao Tzu to Milton Friedman' David Boaz

For critical readings check these out:

http://www.bostonreview.net/BR37.6/...omasi_free_market_fairness_libertarianism.php
http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2012/05/09/hayek-on-social-justice-minimum-income/
When Libertarians Go to Work? | Corey Robin
Why I Am Not a Libertarian
Why is libertarianism wrong?
Critiques Of Libertarianism: So You Want To Discuss Libertarianism....
Marxism of the Right | The American Conservative

And usmb threads:

http://www.usmessageboard.com/the-flame-zone/189696-libertarian-flame.html
http://www.usmessageboard.com/economy/50564-libertarianism-in-a-nutshell-ii.html

"The most fundamental problem with libertarianism is very simple: freedom, though a good thing, is simply not the only good thing in life. Simple physical security, which even a prisoner can possess, is not freedom, but one cannot live without it. Prosperity is connected to freedom, in that it makes us free to consume, but it is not the same thing, in that one can be rich but as unfree as a Victorian tycoon's wife. A family is in fact one of the least free things imaginable, as the emotional satisfactions of it derive from relations that we are either born into without choice or, once they are chosen, entail obligations that we cannot walk away from with ease or justice. But security, prosperity, and family are in fact the bulk of happiness for most real people and the principal issues that concern governments." Robert Locke The American Conservative -- Marxism of the Right

 

[Circe]

Wonderful! Thanks, Midcan. I had the Murray and the Boaz on my list, and I'll add the Nozick -- best to find out where anarchy fits into all this on the front end, perhaps.

I take it you are not a great fan of Libertarianism.... [

 

[Oddball]

'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' by Robert Nozick

'What It Means to Be a Libertarian' Charles Murray

'The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao Tzu to Milton Friedman' David Boaz

For critical readings check these out:

http://www.bostonreview.net/BR37.6/...omasi_free_market_fairness_libertarianism.php
http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2012/05/09/hayek-on-social-justice-minimum-income/
When Libertarians Go to Work? | Corey Robin
Why I Am Not a Libertarian
Why is libertarianism wrong?
Critiques Of Libertarianism: So You Want To Discuss Libertarianism....
Marxism of the Right | The American Conservative

You misspelled "smear pieces".

 

[Oddball]

I've called myself a libertarian for years -- since I became completely disillusioned with the Republican Party about 2006.

But I suddenly realized I didn't really know what that meant! I am now finishing up David Boaz' "Libertarianism" and --- I'm in love. I need another good book on Libertarianism, to read next.

Does anyone have a favorite, or suggestions?

Healing Our World - Introduction

The Law, by Frederic Bastiat

 

[dblack]

"The most fundamental problem with libertarianism is very simple: freedom, though a good thing, is simply not the only good thing in life. Simple physical security, which even a prisoner can possess, is not freedom, but one cannot live without it. Prosperity is connected to freedom, in that it makes us free to consume, but it is not the same thing, in that one can be rich but as unfree as a Victorian tycoon's wife. A family is in fact one of the least free things imaginable, as the emotional satisfactions of it derive from relations that we are either born into without choice or, once they are chosen, entail obligations that we cannot walk away from with ease or justice. But security, prosperity, and family are in fact the bulk of happiness for most real people and the principal issues that concern governments." Robert Locke The American Conservative -- Marxism of the Right

It's absurd to suggest that libertarians view freedom as 'the only good thing in life'. Such a claim is a strawman. Outside of sloganeering ("Give me freedom or give me death"), I know of no libertarians who value political freedom over security, prosperity or family.

The fundamental problem with libertarianism is that it asks us to renounce the human habit of resorting to violence to achieve our ends - even violence on behalf of the majority. Some people aren't willing to give up bad habits.

 

[Kevin_Kennedy]

I just finished reading Libertarianism Today by Jacob Huebert, and I have to say it's very good. It's designed to be an introduction to libertarianism, and describes libertarian stances and why libertarians take those stances. I didn't think it would be much worth my while, but it really is a great book and you can't beat the price.

https://mises.org/store/Libertarianism-Today-P10394.aspx

I would also highly recommend "Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature" by Rothbard. It's a collection of essays, and is probably my favorite book of Rothbard's. You can read it for free at the link below.

Murray N. Rothbard :: Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature, and Other Essays

 

[Oddball]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Why-Government-Doesnt-Work-Prosperity/dp/0312136234]Why Government Doesn't Work: How Reducing Government Will Bring Us Safer Cities, Better Schools, Lower Taxes, More Freedom and Prosperity for All: Harry Browne: 9780312136239: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxnPHwqMYYc]Harry Browne - Why Government Doesn't Work - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Quantum Windbag]

'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' by Robert Nozick

'What It Means to Be a Libertarian' Charles Murray

'The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao Tzu to Milton Friedman' David Boaz

For critical readings check these out:

http://www.bostonreview.net/BR37.6/...omasi_free_market_fairness_libertarianism.php
http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2012/05/09/hayek-on-social-justice-minimum-income/
When Libertarians Go to Work? | Corey Robin
Why I Am Not a Libertarian
Why is libertarianism wrong?
Critiques Of Libertarianism: So You Want To Discuss Libertarianism....
Marxism of the Right | The American Conservative

And usmb threads:

http://www.usmessageboard.com/the-flame-zone/189696-libertarian-flame.html
http://www.usmessageboard.com/economy/50564-libertarianism-in-a-nutshell-ii.html

"The most fundamental problem with libertarianism is very simple: freedom, though a good thing, is simply not the only good thing in life. Simple physical security, which even a prisoner can possess, is not freedom, but one cannot live without it. Prosperity is connected to freedom, in that it makes us free to consume, but it is not the same thing, in that one can be rich but as unfree as a Victorian tycoon's wife. A family is in fact one of the least free things imaginable, as the emotional satisfactions of it derive from relations that we are either born into without choice or, once they are chosen, entail obligations that we cannot walk away from with ease or justice. But security, prosperity, and family are in fact the bulk of happiness for most real people and the principal issues that concern governments." Robert Locke The American Conservative -- Marxism of the Right

The best part about libertarian books is the price.

http://socioline.ru/files/5/315/nozick_robert_-_anarchy_state_and_utopia.pdf

What It Means to Be a Libertarian PDF.pdf download - 2shared

The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from L PDF

I would suggest you ignore the rest of the links he provided as the drivel they really are.

 

[konradv]

Bump.

I never do that, normally, but I really want suggestions for reading about Libertarianism.

Make sure you research both sides of the story. Just reading pro-libertarian books will give you a slanted view of the true issues.

Critiques Of Libertarianism

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Bump.

I never do that, normally, but I really want suggestions for reading about Libertarianism.

Make sure you research both sides of the story. Just reading pro-libertarian books will give you a slanted view of the true issues.

Critiques Of Libertarianism

When are you going to start looking at both sides of the story instead of believing the drivel that confirms how stupid you are?

 

[National Socialist]

The Revolution and End the Fed by Ron Paul.

 

[National Socialist]

The Greatest Libertarian Books by N. Stephan Kinsella

 

[National Socialist]

Introducing Libertarianism: A Reading List | Libertarianism.org

 

[National Socialist]

just look up ron paul book list,use the ron paul forums book area.

 

[Circe]

I just finished reading Libertarianism Today by Jacob Huebert, and I have to say it's very good. It's designed to be an introduction to libertarianism, and describes libertarian stances and why libertarians take those stances. I didn't think it would be much worth my while, but it really is a great book and you can't beat the price.

https://mises.org/store/Libertarianism-Today-P10394.aspx

I would also highly recommend "Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature" by Rothbard. It's a collection of essays, and is probably my favorite book of Rothbard's. You can read it for free at the link below.

Murray N. Rothbard :: Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature, and Other Essays

I bought the Audible audiobook of Rothbard's "For a New Liberty" and also the Bastiat mentioned above, "The Law," for the Kindle app --- might as well have that, at $.99!

I am very interested in the Huebert you recommend, Kevin, and although it's an expensive textbook even on Kindle, I may read that next. It has rave reviews.

I appreciate all the suggestions and am adding them to my study project list.

 

[Circe]

Introducing Libertarianism: A Reading List | Libertarianism.org

I went to this site and was amused to see the first book I have read, the Boaz intro, is first on their list. And Bastiat, "The Law," the second.

Also that they list Thomas Sowell's "Basic Economics," which I have as an audiobook but haven't listened to yet. I didn't realize that was a Libertarian work.

 

[eflatminor]

Some of the classics:
1) The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek
2) The Law by Frederic Bastiat
3) Liberalism by Ludwig von Mises

A few recent notables:
1) No, They Can't: Why Government Fails-But Individuals Succeed by John Stossel
2) Liberty Versus the Tyranny of Socialism: Controversial Essays by Walter E. Williams