One of the favorite anti-liberty arguments (besides the "warlord excuse" or the "government invented the internet" myth) is the claim that without government holding a gun to my head, self-interest will cause civilization to crumble.
To all those who claim that a society based upon libertarian or even anarchist principles will fail before it even has a chance, due to "everyone for himself" being the rule, I offer some observations.
You are not likely to find a more "libertarian" or "anarchistic" person than me. Yet, I am the one in the group who actually tries to consider other people while the non-libertarians with me have a "me first" attitude in almost every situation.
Even if there were no "handicapped parking" spaces, I would leave the nearest spaces for those who need them. I don't need them, and for that I am glad. Some non-libertarians I know try to manipulate the system to their advantage so they can "legally" park there regardless of actual need. Or, they simply claim they "won't be long". I'd be ashamed.
In traffic I am always trying to make room for the person who is trying to change lanes. Many (most?) non-libertarians I have ridden with act like they must "win" and not allow anyone to be in front of them on the road. There is nowhere I need to be badly enough right now to drive like that.
I am more likely to judge the situation, not the person. Not that I am perfect in this, but I am able to see when I mess up. The authoritarian "alternative" is obvious and tragic, and composes much of the "news".
There are many other examples that I could relate, but the evidence which I see with my own eyes is overwhelming. A libertarian society would be a polite society for a variety of reasons.
I understand that being considerate is in my best interest. Maybe not in the short term, but definitely in the long term. Plus, it makes me feel better.
What is it about Albuquerque and body parts? First it was the dismembered giraffe in the dumpster, and now this. While dead people don't care about what you do with their remains, their relatives do. Do what you agree to do.
Comments
Kent
Very similar thoughts and experiences.
While not perfect myself, I do consciously consider others.
Like approaching a crosswalk - and a long line of cars approaching. I'll take a step back away from the curb - to signal the cars to proceed without stopping - makes sense as I'm just one and they are many and heavy!
Let them pass as it takes only a few seconds and then I'm clear (and far more safe) to cross. And, without much surprise, I often get a wave of appreciation from a driver who, too, are aware of the mutual grace of freedom.
Two kinds of people, Kent. Those who want (and believe they are entitled) to control other people. And those who do not.
The desire to control others ranges from the most unconscious urges to the overblown megalomaniac, but it all stems from this one human flaw.
As long as that desire for control is institutionalized and rationalized, it will remain a serious part of society. In the meantime, the rest of us must live (and let live) the best we can. The "controllers" will never be convinced to give up controlling, any more than we will ever be convinced to give up "the mutual grace" of freedom. :)
Good point. Actually I think a major problem with the passage of laws is that most people think that everyone else is the "bad guy." That's why police keep getting more funding and more ridiculous laws get passed every day. The attitudes are "oh yeah, that cop was a dick to me... but OTHER people are totally dangerous and need to be controlled!" and "oh *I* can drink responsibly on the beach, but of course EVERYONE ELSE is a danger to society when they do," and "I can speed on the freeway safely, but all those OTHER drivers out there deserve the tickets they get!"
With these kinds of attitudes, most people just think they are a minority in getting screwed by the law - and that everyone else who gets screwed somehow deserved it. Totally ridiculous.
I've recently written to articles on the subject of how a libertarian is mis-perceived by those making the arguments you mentioned, you might find them interesting.
aynrkey dot blogspot dot com/2010/03/tribesman-barbarian-and-citizen.html
aynrkey dot blogspot dot com/2010/04/tribesman-barbarian-citizen-and.html
It seems that the Citizens think we are Barbarians, and the Barbarians haven't a clue as to what we are.
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