Can you believe it? A horse named Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby earlier this month! It’s as good an excuse as any to revisit the important philosophical concept for which he is named. There are three notions or perceptions of sovereignty; let’s dig into them, and then apply what we learn to our lives.
Classical notion of sovereignty
The term sovereignty derives from the Latin superanus, supremus, which means the highest, superior, and/or ultimate. Also, it is related to old French, representing supremacy in a certain domain.
Jean Bodin, a French political philosopher who lived in the 16th century, is considered the founding father of the concept.
Speaking of Founding Fathers, learn Why Our Founding Fathers Risked It All:
The origin of the concept is not primarily related to individuals, but rather to rulers and their dominions. It covers the core feature of every state: possessing the ultimate (political) power, and acting accordingly.
On the other hand, sovereignty presupposes the legitimacy of a ruler to rule in an unchallenged manner. Accordingly, two types of sovereignty are worth mentioning. The first is divine sovereignty, where the dominion is legitimized as God’s will. After the French Revolution, a new type emerged: national sovereignty, presupposing that each individual is a subject of political power, primarily through participation in the political processes.
Despite the neutral reflection of the term, it usually serves as a method for legitimizing tyrannical rules.
Normative notion of individual sovereignty
Libertarians tend to be sceptics of sovereignty, since they believe that individual liberty is more important than the state’s sovereignty.
Related: What federalism does for individual liberty
But another interpretation of the term, more aligned with a libertarian vision, can be found in the writings of Gustave de Molinari, Lysander Spooner, Josiah Warren, and other champions of liberty. It is attached to an individual, embracing a new interpretation: the right of an individual to preserve their life, defend physical integrity, keep the fruits of their actions, and maintain property, while acting in a free and responsible manner.
Accordingly, the existence of a free society is essential for individual sovereignty, where the community recognizes this feature.
Although a free society is based on individual sovereignty, further questions arise: Can individuals be sovereign living in an unfree world? Can an individual be sovereign under the authority of a sovereign ruler? Should individuals focus solely on promoting a free society, and be patient in the process of recognition?
Practical notion of individual sovereignty
The answer to all of those questions: NO.
Individuals can become sovereign here and now while living in the current, unfree world. This work is directed toward advancing one’s physical integrity, property, and actions, and gaining more independence from government, as well as from corporate structures and media outlets.
How to be sovereign
Practical, individual sovereignty is not solely to be proclaimed; it needs to be earned. So, the main question is how can individuals become (more) sovereign?
Here are 5 tips, based on my historical research of the concept:
- Be aware that you are a living being, and that you have the freedom to experience life while being fully responsible for the consequences of your actions.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle, eat good food (prepare your own and avoid ultra-processed ones), be physically and mentally active, and give meaning to your life.
- Be determined to defend yourself, learn some martial arts, and how to operate guns. Do not rely on government for protection, since you are the one ultimately responsible for your life, property, and actions. (Also see: 3D Printed Guns, Explained.)
- Develop an attitude toward solving problems. Take initiative and do not be afraid of making mistakes, since the culture of failure is crucial for personal development.
- Take care of yourself, your family, and the community you are living in. Do not forget that people are social animals, and that individualism is not isolationism, but rather connection, cooperation, and interaction.
One vision of being sovereign
Imagine yourself living in a cabin in a mountain village, not far from urban life, but far enough so you can feel the benefits of living in nature.
You are living with your family, pets, and domesticated animals. However, there are other people living in the village. You are living a healthy lifestyle, you are physically active, operate a business, and most importantly, you are appreciating life. You are in total control of what you are consuming.
The cabin has its own electricity system, partially from solar collectors and a petrol generator, and has its own water supply system. You hunt and prepare your own food but you are never cruel to animals. You have guns, and you are ready to protect yourself and your family if needed.
You are not Robinson Crusoe in this scenario! You have family and friends to celebrate life, while also sharing the hard moments, and you have business partners to produce value with. You are working on becoming a better version of yourself. You do not initiate harm on anyone, but you have zero tolerance for any harm initiated on you, your family, and your community.
Ask yourself: How does that sound to you?
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This piece solely expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the organization as a whole. Students For Liberty is committed to facilitating a broad dialogue for liberty, representing a variety of opinions.
