Libertarians Keep the Peace
‘Don’t hit other people, don’t take their stuff and keep your promises.’ July 3, 2023 1:23 pm ET Young libertarians. Photo: Piotr Lapinski/Zuma Press In his review of “The Individualists” by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi (Bookshelf, June 29), Barton Swaim refers to the “studiously amoral philosophy of libertarianism.” A popular summary of libertarianism, “don’t hit other people, don’t take their stuff and keep your promises,” is just the sort of basic morality that allows human beings to live together. David Boaz Senior fellow, Cato Institute Washington The core tenet of libertarianism is that a person is free to do as he chooses until he inhibits the right of others to do the same. That principle will never need “an obituary.” Far from avoiding life’s biggest questions, it can be
Young libertarians.
Photo: Piotr Lapinski/Zuma Press
In his review of “The Individualists” by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi (Bookshelf, June 29), Barton Swaim refers to the “studiously amoral philosophy of libertarianism.” A popular summary of libertarianism, “don’t hit other people, don’t take their stuff and keep your promises,” is just the sort of basic morality that allows human beings to live together.
David Boaz
Senior fellow, Cato Institute
Washington
The core tenet of libertarianism is that a person is free to do as he chooses until he inhibits the right of others to do the same. That principle will never need “an obituary.” Far from avoiding life’s biggest questions, it can be a guide for answering them.
Christopher Hanford
Benicia, Calif.
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