Achieving Freedom is Personal

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I hear a lot of bickering and circular discussions among principled freedom promoters—the libertarians, anarchists, classical liberals, voluntaryists etc.

A lot of important concerns are brought up concerning how markets will be able to provide "environmental protections" or general purview of law and order. These are enjoyable issues to discuss and potentially fun theories to investigate, yet doing too much will only keep you comfortable in your armchair.

What seems to be the common denominator of all liberty-oriented thought is the belief in the human individual. The ability for the individual to pursue their own self-interest.

Beyond that we start getting into murky territory. Humans are social creatures with culture becoming our collective expression, and depending on how one associates with others we find ourselves feeling more connected to certain shared norms and values; a free society is ultimately culturally relative.

Getting toward a more voluntary society is something libertarians/anarchists constantly go back and forth debating how it would be properly done; though for the individual, it often doesn't amount to much. We're not going to agree what the best path is and those who promote a freedom philosophy should be well aware of subjective value.

If someone does believe they know what's best, then they've fallen into the same trap as the authoritarians. This presumption of knowledge is implicit in all types of collectivist thought.

So what is the freedom seeker suppose to do?

Mr. Paul, in the United States, was a rare example of using political means to the spread ideas of liberty, though how successful was he really? Only time will tell and there is much to say out of his statesmanship, although his efforts may have very subtly led to the current "alt" movements.

Individuals will never get toward a free society through mass movements; the failure of countless movements in the long run should make anyone skeptical, especially those with any awareness of history. A type of society will only happen when peoples minds are fitted for it. In this case, from a solid and wholesome understanding of individual autonomy.

Of course, those whose minds are already arranged with a more individualist outlook, will eventually stumble on these ideas as freedom is high on their scale of values if not the highest.

If freedom is your priority, why wouldn't you make yourself as free as you possibly can? Albert Camus put it nicely:

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.

Yes, there are certain requirements in civilization which we must conform for sake of some tranquility, but just do as you please. Try to find that individual agency you can dedicate your full attention bringing you to the highest feeling of joy.

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Achieving Freedom is Personal | Ecency