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/...r.aspx?Id=2715

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

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

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

http://www.mises.org/Controls/Media/...r.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?