Tens of millions of Americans are rediscovering libertarianism, a visionary alternative to the tired party orthodoxies of left and right. In 1995, a Gallup poll found that 52 percent of Americans said “the federal government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.” Later that year, the Wall Street Journal concurred, saying, “Because of their growing disdain for government, more and more Americans appear to be drifting—often unwittingly—toward a libertarian philosophy.”
David Boaz offers an essential guidebook to the libertarian perspective, detailing its roots, central tenets, solutions, and future in American politics. This is must-reading for understanding one of the most exciting and hopeful movements of our time.
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"This book is the best introduction and guide to the political philosophy of libertarianism. David Boaz has manage to write a book which perfectly shows how libertarianism works, and how a close libertarian society when the USA was young actually worked better than the philosophies in power today. "
— Damien (5 out of 5 stars)
“This book is an admirably clear exposition of the position—defined by David Boaz as ‘the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others.’”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Readers and individuals concerned with future directions of American politics will find this book an interesting and informative initial analysis.”
— Library Journal“A cogent screed for the curious.”
— Booklist“A solid introduction to a trendy ideology…Unlike those who bash government simply to further their own interests, Boaz understands the substantive implications of the libertarian merger of natural-rights liberalism and capitalism…and produces a work that should be taken seriously.”
— Kirkus Reviews" It'll change the way you think. If it doesn't, you either already voted for a Libertarian (or, failing that, Ron Paul) or you're not a rational person. "
— Clinton, 8/6/2013" Very informative and enlightening and helps you understand the true purpose of government. "
— Daniel, 7/31/2013" Not utopia - just a framework for it, where individual rights are respected and government is the protector of those rights rather than a criminal syndicate. "
— David, 7/21/2013" As a primer to this mode of thought, not as a valid mode of government. "
— Stewart, 6/6/2013" You might still be wrongheaded after reading this book, but it's worth reading anyway. "
— David, 1/5/2013" This book was great, especially about voluntarism. "
— Kelton, 4/11/2012" Very good primer to Libertarianism "
— Sabio, 1/15/2012" An easy and comprehensive explanation on Libertarianism, especially the chapter on current issues. "
— Leslie, 10/4/2011" More detailed explanation of the libertarian political philosophy. A truly enlightening book. "
— Jay, 7/7/2011" In spite of its dogmatic title this is a fascinating survey of the history of the notion of limited government. "
— Matt, 6/18/2011" Skip the introduction as it is a bit dated, but the principles in the book are timeless. "
— Heather, 4/11/2011" Anarchy for rich people. Pass on this and read Kropotkin or Goldman instead. "
— Dale, 3/15/2011" If you're looking for a well-written introduction to libertarianism this is your book. "
— Josh, 1/3/2011" I was a libertarian in college but grew out of it. "
— David, 7/25/2010" Ummm...still a Dem, but a nice overview ... "
— Maia, 3/15/2010" Not utopia - just a framework for it, where individual rights are respected and government is the protector of those rights rather than a criminal syndicate. "
— David, 2/12/2010" Very informative and enlightening and helps you understand the true purpose of government. "
— Daniel, 9/16/2008" Anarchy for rich people. Pass on this and read Kropotkin or Goldman instead. "
— Dale, 8/10/2008" An easy and comprehensive explanation on Libertarianism, especially the chapter on current issues. "
— Leslie, 6/27/2008" This book was great, especially about voluntarism. "
— Kelton, 4/5/2008" More detailed explanation of the libertarian political philosophy. A truly enlightening book. "
— Jay, 8/12/2007" In spite of its dogmatic title this is a fascinating survey of the history of the notion of limited government. "
— Matt, 3/24/2007" You might still be wrongheaded after reading this book, but it's worth reading anyway. "
— David, 3/9/2007David Boaz is executive vice president of the Cato Institute, described by Rolling Stone as “the hottest think-tank in Washington.” His articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in Washington, DC.
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.