Learn Liberty: First, when did you join the Learn Liberty team and what is your role?
Eric Andreasen: I joined the Learn Liberty team as a marketing intern in 2013. In addition to my duties as Marketing Coordinator, I manage the organization’s social media accounts.
LL: How did you find your way to the philosophy of liberty? Are there any thinkers in particular that got the ball rolling?
EA: My first introduction to liberty as philosophy occurred during my freshman year at McGill University after I was “required” to read Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America”. My love for colonial American history lead me to the writings of Locke, Paine, and Jefferson. After joining Learn Liberty, my interests became more economical in nature; I read Hazlitt and Hayek and Friedman. If you eat, sleep, and breathe ideas of freedom, Learn Liberty is the place to be.
LL: What’s your favorite Learn Liberty video and why?
EA: Oh lord! I have to pick one? Well, I am a big fan of “Why is There Corn in Your Coke?” with Prof. Diana Thomas. The policy making and money spending that goes on in Washington is best explained but by concentrated benefits and dispersed costs. Understanding this concept is vital to understanding how legislation is passed.
EA: Let’s start with Tocqueville as he was my introduction to liberty as philosophy. Milton Friedman because I’ve watched just about every lecture of his on Youtube and I’m craving more. And finally Lysander Spooner because he trolled the post office and that is like trolling the IRS. Respect.
LL: What music have you been listening to lately?
EA: I really enjoy hip hop/rap but the “old” stuff has been on repeat lately. It’s been predominantly Nas, Cam’ron (The Diplomats), OutKast, Wu-Tang, and Mobb Deep. Also, Kanye is one of the greatest of all time.
LL: Any books or television that you’ve been reading or watching lately that you would recommend to our audience?
EA: “Fargo” (Season 2) just melted my brain. Still not quite sure what the hell I just watched. “South Park” has never been better (or prescient) but I will use this space to tout “Nathan For You” as the most laugh-inducing show. If you don’t know, now you know.
LL: If you were in charge of government and had the power to unilaterally change one government policy permanently which one would you change and why?
EA: End the war on drugs. From race relations to incarceration rates to civil asset forfeiture, too many of the issues facing society stem from this failed policy.
LL: What does liberty mean to you in one sentence?
EA: The freedom to do whatever you like with your person and property as long as you do not infringe on the rights of others to do the same.
LL: What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last year?
EA: Ex Machina was incredibly thought provoking. I won’t spoil anything but if you are even the least bit interested by artificial intelligence and morality, this one is not to be missed.
LL: Do you have a favorite pro-liberty quote?
EA: “Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is the highest political end.” –Lord Acton