Not quite about Ron Paul, but...

[yongrel]

I think it might be important anyhow. WHo knows. Maybe I just have an inflated sense of worth. Anywho, moving on.

I've spent the past few days looking for a good primer on the principles of libertarianism. No dice. The closet things I have found have either been pimping the Libertarian party, or are big word economics books.

My frustration is this: If someone wants to learn more about libertarianism and related philosophies, I can't say, "Well you should read this book. It will tell you everything you need to know." Rather, I have to give them a reading list of intensely academic books. I love Ayn Rand and Hayek very much, but they are not what one would call "light reading."

At this point, you're most likely saying to yourself, "Self, why am I still reading this bloated post?" Bear with me.

In light of my inability to find a decent introduction to liberty, I've decided to create my own. Tonight, I begin work on what I'm hoping can be an accessible, easy-to-understand book about liberty. My intent at this point is for it to cover the major points of the philosophy of liberty(self-ownership and whatnot), as well as the issues it affects (economy, foreign relations, domestic policies, etc) in a way that can be understood and embraced by the layman.

So I figure, "why not ask the best informed group of liberty minded individuals about what they think?"

Any ideas?

[icon124]

sounds like you know what you want...i really don't have any ideas, but I will read it if you send me a copy :)

[angrydragon]

An Introduction to Libertarianism Mark Thornton.

http://www.mises.org/Controls/Media/MediaPlayer.aspx?Id=2715

Introduction to Libertarianism II Walter Block Radical Austrianism, Radical Libertarianism.

http://www.mises.org/Controls/Media/MediaPlayer.aspx?Id=2557

[stevedasbach]

I think it might be important anyhow. WHo knows. Maybe I just have an inflated sense of worth. Anywho, moving on.

I've spent the past few days looking for a good primer on the principles of libertarianism. No dice. The closet things I have found have either been pimping the Libertarian party, or are big word economics books.

My frustration is this: If someone wants to learn more about libertarianism and related philosophies, I can't say, "Well you should read this book. It will tell you everything you need to know." Rather, I have to give them a reading list of intensely academic books. I love Ayn Rand and Hayek very much, but they are not what one would call "light reading."

At this point, you're most likely saying to yourself, "Self, why am I still reading this bloated post?" Bear with me.

In light of my inability to find a decent introduction to liberty, I've decided to create my own. Tonight, I begin work on what I'm hoping can be an accessible, easy-to-understand book about liberty. My intent at this point is for it to cover the major points of the philosophy of liberty(self-ownership and whatnot), as well as the issues it affects (economy, foreign relations, domestic policies, etc) in a way that can be understood and embraced by the layman.

So I figure, "why not ask the best informed group of liberty minded individuals about what they think?"

Any ideas?

See if you can find a copy of "Restoring the American Dream" by Robert Ringer. The statistics are out of date but it's an excellent popular introduction.

[yongrel]

An Introduction to Libertarianism Mark Thornton.

http://www.mises.org/Controls/Media/MediaPlayer.aspx?Id=2715

Introduction to Libertarianism II Walter Block Radical Austrianism, Radical Libertarianism.

http://www.mises.org/Controls/Media/MediaPlayer.aspx?Id=2557

I've stumbled across those, but they've never been what I'm looking for. I can't hand them to a relative and say "Check this out! You'll love it."

Also, bump.

[kaleidoscope eyes]

Bump

This sounds like worthy idea. Libertarianism for Dummies anyone? I'd buy that. ;)

[yongrel]

Okay, I'll ask a more specific question.

What subjects or specific issues should an introduction to liberty include?

[angrydragon]

How about an introduction to classical liberalism?
The two, libertarianism and classical liberalism are very similar.

[LibertyEagle]

Scroll down to see Economics books recommended by Ron Paul:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/reading-list3.html

[Yom]

Maybe something by Mises, or Goldwater's Conscience of a Conservative, for a more socially conservative and moderated libertarianism?

[Xenophage]

"Capitalism for Kids" by Karl Hess. I read this book when I was in 4th grade.

[Xenophage]

A quick google search for "libertarian primer" came up with this: http://www.libertarianism.org/

I haven't read any of it, but maybe you'll find it interesting.

[yongrel]

A quick google search for "libertarian primer" came up with this: http://www.libertarianism.org/

I haven't read any of it, but maybe you'll find it interesting.

Ooh, spiffy. Very good read.

However, it's not quite what I'm looking for. While more accessible than other works I've read, it still is very academic. My rule of thumb: any book that uses the word "neologism" is not for the layman. :D

[TruckinMike]

There are hundreds of good books on our Founding fathers, let them be your guide. You will not go wrong.

TMike

[jnpg]

I like your idea. I agree that you need to put the ideas in a sort of 'dumbed-down' version. Write it for Homer Simpson:D

To me the big point is: responsibility for yourself- about 15 years ago John Stossel did a show about personal responsibility. I bought the VHS (back then) and used to show it to the kids at the high school I worked at. It seems most people don't realize what they are giving up when they say 'OK, big daddy gubment- take care of me.'
Most people are not terribly insightful.

Keep us updated on your project.

[yongrel]

bump

any suggestions for content or format?

[trey4sports]

address current issues and how they would be dealt with from a libertarian standpoint.
also, be sure to explain how libertarianism is NOT radical, and the fact that our constitution was based on libertarian ideology

[Joe Schwartz]

It's been years since I last read it, but I recommend Libertarianism in One Lesson (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0975432648/).

I'd also recommend anything by Harry Browne.

[yongrel]

It's been years since I last read it, but I recommend Libertarianism in One Lesson (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0975432648/).

I'd also recommend anything by Harry Browne.

I've read some of that book, and it seemed too party-centric to me. Very much an LP book, from what I gathered. Maybe I just interpreted it wrong.

[Verad]

I stumbled upon the following a couple of months ago, and I think it may be somewhat relevant, but probably not perfect. Still, it's an interesting intro to the general philosophy of liberty. You'll probably want to kill the music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z1buym2xUM

[Verad]

This is still some relevant info, so, bump!

[IrishUp]

I gave a very effective talk about the second amendment where I just described every word/phrase in the amendment, explaining the founder's intent and why it's more important than ever to citizens today.

So, maybe just use the Bill of Rights as your outline and explain the meaning and intent for every pertinent word/phrase and describe how recent legislation and executive orders are working to destroy it.

[BlutStein]

A quick google search for "libertarian primer" came up with this: http://www.libertarianism.org/

I haven't read any of it, but maybe you'll find it interesting.

I've been reading this book for the last month (school work and work has slowed me down). I'm borrowing it from my local library and its a pretty good read. I'd recommend it.

[mrchubbs]

"Discovery Of Freedom"
by Rose Wilder Lane

Available online at mises.com:

http://www.mises.org/books/discovery.pdf

Enjoy.

[yongrel]

bump for traffic

[yongrel]

bump

any suggestions?