Recommend Reading in Philosophy
The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom
The Libertarian Mind, by David Boaz was the first book I read to figure out what this whole libertarian idea was all about. I really liked the historical context provided in this book, from English aristocracy demanding more freedom from the King, to the US Constitution, and into the present. Boaz breaks down a lot of different topics and really opened my mind to what freedom really means.
Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto
Short, quick read that does a great job of explaining the basics of libertarian ideas. I’m a slow reader and I finished this book in a couple days. You could probably finish it in one sitting.
The Law
Talk about a quick read! This little book packs a big punch. So much information in a quick, concise read. It reminds us that the original purpose of our government was to protect life, liberty, and property.
Capitalism and Freedom: Fortieth Anniversary Edition
Milton Friedman is among the top scholars when it comes to the ideas of freedom. In this book, Friedman explains how capitalism and free markets (in their true sense) promote freedom by removing government interference in the system.
The Road to Serfdom: Fiftieth Anniversary Edition
If Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom is a defense for capitalism’s spread of freedom, F.A. Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom is a warning on how socialism and communism will strip us of our freedoms and give complete power to the state.
The Morality of Capitalism: What Your Professors Won’t Tell You
Another quick read, this book is comprised of short essays explaining the morality of capitalism. We’ve all heard arguments against capitalism that usually revolve around greed. That only happens when you have governments and politicians giving special interests to certain groups. Capitalism is simply people making mutual exchanges for each of their participants benefit. This is actually a form of trade that has been going on since the dawn of time. The problem is when governments get involved and force people to transact in ways they wouldn’t if they were free.
