Libertarians frequently use the word “Liberty.” It is the basis for the name, “Libertarian.” But Liberty is a concept that is rarely defined, and which often means different things to different people. If we are to have a conversation, however, it is important that we understand what is meant when critical ideas are addressed. So, here is my definition of Liberty.
Very simply, Liberty is the result of combining Freedom with Responsibility. If Freedom is one side of the coin, then Responsibility is the other. Freedom without Responsibility is chaos. Responsibility without Freedom is tyranny.
Liberty is not license to do whatever you feel like doing. Rather, Liberty obliges us to do what we know we should do. It is the recognition that free people have a duty, to themselves and to those around them, to refrain from intentionally causing harm and to make amends when harm is done.
Liberty demands that we be good people, not because politicians and their statutes demand it, but because it is in our interest, and in the interest of our society, to do what we know to be right. In this way, Liberty allows us to create Community. And because charity cannot be forced, and by allowing us to freely choose to do what we know to be right, only Liberty gives us the opportunity to be truly compassionate.
Liberty acknowledges that, while we are free to determine our own actions, we must also face the consequences of those actions, whether good or bad. Liberty demands self control, it promotes self mastery, and it allows for self government. It is what drives our sense of duty and honor. Liberty allows us to learn from experience so that we can fully develop ourselves. Liberty is not a virtue, but it is the condition which makes virtue possible.
Freedom and Responsibility. Our bureaucratic politicians have struggled to separate these concepts, to uncouple our actions from the consequences of our actions. They try to legislate freedom in the form of granted privileges, and then they force us to pay the price when others make bad decisions in accordance with those same privileges.
Separated, Freedom and Responsibility are dangerous concepts. By binding these concepts tightly together, however, we have what we need to fully develop ourselves, our community, and our nation. By binding these concepts of Freedom and Responsibility tightly together, we have Liberty.
