Skepticism of Libertarianism

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Libertarians have successfully debunked most critiques of their philosophy from the socialist left and the neoconservative right, but critiques from the "New Right"—from neoreactionary thinkers such as Nick Land and Curtis Yarvin—have me questioning some of the premises of libertarianism. I am still nominally libertarian in that I desire individual liberty, and I believe in the non-aggression principle (NAP), but I am agnostic about the political methods to achieve a libertarian society.

Furthermore, I acknowledge that not all people want or can handle true freedom. Although I want individual liberty for myself, I don't know that individual liberty for all would be best for society. What I ultimately want is a society where those few who do desire liberty can attain it.

Anarcho-capitalism may seem desirable to me, but it is less desirable to most others. Plus, it is unclear how an an-cap society would actually function. Could private corporations become just as oppressive as the state? Many libertarian philosophers have claimed no, and I am apt to agree with them; however, it is far from certain.

I am skeptical of democracy because it has only resulted in the erosion of liberty in America since its founding, as political factions continually vote to strip away the liberty of others. It might be that the only route to a libertarian society is through a form of monarchism: an autocratic ruler who guarantees freedom to NAP-abiding citizens through force.

Again, I am agnostic on such matters: anarchism vs. monarchism vs. republicanism vs. democracy vs. whatever else. Who knows: perhaps even the current US system can be reformed by making the constitution stronger and eradicating amended laws. However far-fetched that may seem...

I don't know which way society will go, nor which way it should go. In the meantime, I will attempt to carve out as much personal liberty as possible within the current political system, whatever it may be, using all means available—most prominently Bitcoin and other cryptographic technology. Most individuals cannot change their political system to become more libertarian, but individuals can change their lives to maximize liberty within the system.

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