Ever since Ron Paul introduced me to AE, I’ve found that I’ve not only increased my economic knowledge exponentially (to the point where I could refute certain arguments promulgated by economics professor with confidence), but I’ve also grown to love Libertarianism to the point where it’s become a vested interest in my life (I just can’t let it go and I’m an ardent defender of the libertarian philosophy). I not only find that I’m becoming more radical by the day, but essentially I’m pretty much preaching the libertarian creed to anyone that will listen to me. In class and at home I feel like I’ve pretty much become a libertarian spark plug, where every discussion always somehow becomes intertwined with libertarian thought.
Any other members of the youth feel like this as well?
PS- I understand that AE is value-free and I’m not associating the two.
I’m not sure if you can call it “religious”, but I’ve reached the point where I cringe every time someone utters the sentence “I think the government should …”.
Anyone read this (It’s an older article)? It’s pretty much National Review garbage, but he pretty much regards Libertarianism as utopian, when it’s clearly not.
It’s funny when he acts if his horrified when he cites Rothbard and how he condemns the state (He was probably weeping crocadile tears as he wrote that segment of the article, I wonder if he thinks the FCC should get involved).
I always happen to love when retreating from their poor arguments, conservatives and liberals start calling libertarians “arrogant” or “utopian”…
Don’t let philosophies own your mind. The ideas, concepts, and conclusions you’ve collected in your psyche has developed its own philosophy. Although, some concepts (Libertarianism for example) may shine brighter in your eyes than other ideas.
Besides, the youth (like myself) tends to be radical and idealist. It also tends to dull away with the weariness of age, though not all the time.
To be honest Telford, I’ve always been vocal and passionate. Whether it was arguing off of horrendous talking points in 4th grade or starting to read the Drudgereport/ various conservative dogmas in 6th grade, I can’t say I’ve ever lost that spark..(well not yet annyway)
Not young but old and retired, and now busy becoming my own true self. So 4 years ago I became an AE, 1 year ago became a Libertarian, and am currently following the path of truth and freedom to the Gnostic Church - a religion. For me becoming old(er) is turning out to be one of the best times of life, although I’m worried about becoming a crusader for all 3. I had no idea previously that I was such a radical person, and rather angry with all the stupidity I’ve tolerated during my life.
I rather think all this makes people more consistent in their views.
A large number of Americans, for example, are small government-loving people who want minimum regulation and a tightened government budget, but then they also expect to get the Social Security, pensions, and all such social services to which they are so wedded. I guess the sort of education given to the public by groups like mises.org simply helps them understand that they don’t have to stand on a feeble middle ground, and see that there is a more simple and consistent solution.
Apparently you do. Your religion, though, doesn’t try to explain what happens in an after life. But it does tell you how to live your life and it provides a code of ethics (not that there’s anything wrong with this, don’t get me wrong).
I like pretending it’s a religion when I’m bored. Tom Palmer seems to think I’m one of Hoppe’s religious fanatics on one of my other nyms. Made me smile.
in terms of the ideas of youth leaning towards the radical, I just don’t see how my views on things could change to being more sympathetic of the state. Has anyone read anything by people who describe themselves as former anarchists (of the capitalist/individualist kind) ? I would think there have to be some out there. What kinds of things do they say?
Another thing on the whole “radical ideas” bit is that I find a lot of opposition just on the point of “well in life most things are good in moderation, you need to find the ‘happy-medium’”
But I do not unquestionably worship Rothbard as if he is some supreme being or mythical creature. I merely follow the creed that he has provided, not based on “faith” but because I consider the logic behind the principles to be moral and just.
Religion: 1. a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; “he lost his faith but not his morality” 2.An institution to express belief in a divine power; “he was raised in the Baptist religion”; “a member of his own faith contradicted him”
I’ve encountered this as well, even the people that are most fed up with the government prevent themselves from actually becoming truly anti-establishment by saying something along the lines of, “Well, it’s there for a reason”. But, yet they go on to rail against the government on an incessant basis with sayings like, " This isn’t your money to spend!" or “Stop destroying our currency”. I have yet to understand why they don’t become more vocal about certain matters.
Maybe I should have phrased the topic differently, I didn’t mean to use term religion in the literal sense. Sorry about that guys, my mistake.
I too am confused by this. Perhaps this is because 1) selection bias -the media shows libertarians saying “taxes are theft” but in reality most of the limited state conservatives are middle-roaders 2) the moderate conservatives are just trying to sound radical in order to better communicate with the libertarians or 3) the conservatives believe that taxes are theft but that a) “fees” are okay b) that theft =money going to programs they don’t like. Or all of these or some combination of them. Especially perhaps b since most people equate theft is unjust taxes and not simply taxes.