The Most Dangerous Libertarian in History: Debunking a Myth

Despite popular belief, not all libertarians are inherently dangerous. This article delves into a common misconception that some of the most influential figures in history could be classified as 'the most dangerous libertarians' based on the simple fact that they owned slaves. However, examining the core philosophies of libertarianism provides a clearer understanding of why this notion is misguided.

Libertarian Principles and Their Core Beliefs

Libertarianism is an ideology that emphasizes the protection of individual liberty and property rights. One of its core tenets is the non-aggression principle (NAP), which states that no individual or group should initiate force or violence against an innocent person or property. Since a true libertarian believes in never initiating violence against an innocent, it stands to reason that they can never be dangerous to an individual in the way that others might be.

The Myths and Misunderstandings

Myth: Libertarians have a secret plot to take over the world and leave you alone.

Unfortunately, this bumper sticker serves as a common but misleading representation of what libertarians stand for. Libertarians value privacy and non-interference in the lives of individuals. Their ultimate goal is a society where individuals are free to make their own choices without fear of coercion or violence.

Myth: Libertarians can be dangerous due to their refusal to participate in social actions.

A libertarian's refusal to participate in social actions is rooted in the principle of non-aggression. While this can be seen as disruptive to coordinated social actions (such as welfare programs, mandatory health measures, or public activities), it is never intended to harm others. Instead, it is an assertion of an individual's right to choose their own path and to refuse participation when it conflicts with their values.

Myth: Ayn Rand is the epitome of a dangerous libertarian.

Ayn Rand's philosophy is indeed controversial, but it is not dangerous in the sense that it seeks to harm others. Rand's philosophy promotes rational self-interest and individualism, believing that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals without interference. Rand herself posited that this philosophy is dangerous to those who believe in self-sacrifice, such as theists, fascists, progressives, socialists, and communists. Her ideas are truly dangerous only to those with harmful ideas that conflict with her viewpoint.

Historical Context and Misconceptions

When discussing historical figures, it is important to note that just because a figure owned slaves does not necessarily make them an inherent supporter of feudalism or the status quo that allowed slavery. Figures such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, while potential contenders for the title of 'most dangerous libertarian,' were constrained by the historical context of their time, which did not align with their political ideologies.

Complicated legacies aside, these figures did not fully embody libertarian principles. Slavery and the maintenance of power structures that benefit certain classes go against the core tenets of libertarianism. Hence, they are not legitimate examples of truly dangerous libertarians in history.

Conclusion: Understanding libertarianism properly reveals that true libertarians are committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals. Any perceived 'danger' associated with libertarianism is often stemming from misunderstandings or misrepresentations of the ideology. Whether one agrees or disagrees with libertarianism, it is crucial to approach the topic with a nuanced and informed perspective.