Category:Liberty

February 19, 2025 | Post

As a way to empty out my notebook after SFL events, these What I Learned columns have become a favorite tradition of mine. And since this is LEARN Liberty, after all … let’s go. I learned what a Venezuelan 100-Bolivar bill looks and feels like. It was given out as a tangible reminder of the […]

January 10, 2025 | Post

Do ideas shape our reality, or is it material factors alone? Hayek believed public opinion — that is, ideas — drives political change, not the other

November 5, 2024 | Post

One of the main divisions among libertarians surrounds democracy and voting. Here are some of the fundamental questions we must ask ourselves: Positive and negative freedom We’ll come back to those, but meanwhile, consider Isaiah Berlin, one of the most influential liberal thinkers of the 20th century. He delivered a lecture at the University of […]

September 24, 2024 | Post

Short answer: Yes, you should be able to pay for sex. When two consenting people (a prostitute and her client) agree to a trade (money for sex), and that trade doesn’t immediately, directly, or violently affect a third party, they should be free to make that trade.  By the way, you should also be able […]

August 28, 2024 | Post

It’s been one year since a middle school student made national headlines for refusing to remove a Gadsden Flag emblem from his backpack. In light of this anniversary, we thought we’d take a moment to reflect on the history and impact of this iconic rattlesnake. Join or Die The first appearance of the rattlesnake came […]

August 6, 2024 | Post

Discover what our story editor, Trevor Kraus, learned about Sheng, Kenyan culture, and the inspiring minds shaping the future of liberty.

July 30, 2024 | Post

Against all odds, Rashid Shahriar made an extraordinary journey from Bangladesh to Nairobi. He risked his life to attend the

June 19, 2024 | Post

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, honoring the official end of slavery in the U.S. and the ongoing fight for liberty and

February 21, 2024 | Post

Liberalism is a great product, but it often doesn’t sell very well, despite spearheading the astronomical leap in prosperity over the past 200 years.

So, what are liberals getting wrong and how can they sell freedom more effectively?

February 21, 2024 | Post

Deirdre McCloskey, renowned economist and advocate for liberal values, delivered a stirring address at LibertyCon International, captivating attendees with her insights into the importance of liberty in fostering human flourishing and societal progress.

February 21, 2024 | Post

At LibertyCon International, David Boaz urged the liberty movement to “fight illiberalism and authoritarianism wherever you find it.”

January 11, 2024 | Post

The recent surge of national conservatism in the United States has not only highlighted a departure from classical liberal principles but also raised concerns about a fundamental shift away from the values that have long defined American governance. 

January 9, 2024 | Post

As the United States finds itself in the throes of increasing political polarization, the idea of a “national divorce” has gained traction, particularly within the liberty movement.

Advocates argue that splitting the nation into independent states could enhance individual liberty, allowing citizens to align with governments that reflect their values.

However, opponents contend that such a move could lead to fragmented anti-liberty measures and weaken the nation’s collective defense of individual rights.

Let’s delve into the key arguments for and against national divorce, exploring whether such a division would truly be conducive to individual liberty.

January 4, 2024 | Post

Today, a hot shower or a cup of coffee brewed in seconds are completely mundane. A journey across continents taking mere hours is, for many, just a normal part of life. Yet, these marvels would have been the envy of even the most affluent in medieval societies, prior to a period we can refer to as the “Great Enrichment.”

October 31, 2023 | Post

This Halloween, let’s look back at some terrifying incidents from the recent past that should not be forgotten. For the best part of two years, beginning in March 2020, attempts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic involved governments around the world seizing new powers and further expanding the scope of the state. 

October 17, 2023 | Post

What is globalization? Globalization is simply the process of the free movement of goods, capital, people, and ideas around the world and across borders.

Globalization is a great boon to the world. It means more specialization and division of labor, which are vital components of economic progress. It makes rich countries richer and brings poor countries out of crushing poverty.

It might just be the greatest achievement in human history, but people don’t know this!

October 9, 2023 | Post

Safety is, of course, to be valued, but some important questions do arise, particularly in the context of our 21st-century challenges: Are we sacrificing too much freedom in the pursuit of safety? Is freedom more important than safety, and if so, why?

September 21, 2023 | Post

The power of information dissemination through social media networks is remarkable, with messages often going viral within seconds. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge that social media activism has its limitations.

September 14, 2023 | Post

Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, stands out because of her unconventional views on education and marriage, challenging the staunchly patriarchal society of Georgian England. Here’s what her story can teach us about liberty…

August 11, 2023 | Post

In the vast expanse of North Dakota’s oil fields, a quiet yet significant transformation is taking place. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have found their way to this unlikely destination, contributing to a workforce grappling with severe shortages. 

While their presence has brought forth positive change, it’s astounding how this story remains shrouded in relative obscurity. 

Let’s look at how the story of North Dakota’s newest arrivals and the success of the Uniting for Ukraine program shows the potential for a simplified and more open immigration process.

August 3, 2023 | Post

Within the world of political spectrums, one ideology stands out for its axioms, principles, and ethics: libertarianism. It is a political philosophy based on the idea that the individual is the sole owner of oneself and therefore has the right to exercise their freedom without external interference, as long as it does not harm the freedom of others.

July 6, 2023 | Post

Ready to dive into the captivating world of classical liberal literature but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re new to the world of classical liberalism or seeking to expand your knowledge, these five books are key to unlocking a deeper appreciation of its core tenets.

June 1, 2023 | Post

The book Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen was assigned to me during my senior year of high school. I still reflect on its lessons and have found them applicable not just to the past, but, in some cases, to the future. Here is how hypothetical, sweeping new gun control legislation might be seen 100 years from now…

May 25, 2023 | Post

Karl Hess is a figure whose political journey was more complex and revelatory than most. His journey is one that is worth retracing today as a means of understanding the roots of contemporary libertarianism, its early flirtations with radical countercultural politics, and the outdated left-right political paradigm