You Have a Right to What You Own and Nothing More

Summary:

Libertarians since Thomas Jefferson have talked about natural, inalienable rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and more. We entertain the correct view that our rights are so numerous that they couldn’t all be named in any manifesto or treatise.

The only problem is that, since rights are so numerous and can’t all be named in any one place, those wishing to invade our true rights start inventing false ones like rights to healthcare or education or to lock us in our homes until they feel safe from a virus they believe we might be carrying.

In this episode, I suggest that we stop thinking and talking about rights as separate and distinct principles and return to the source of our philosophy and a concept that might help us more clearly understand and articulate our positions.

Additional Reading:

You Have a Right to What You Own and Nothing More

The Second Treatise of Civil Government – John Locke (1690)

For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto (1973)

Where Do Conservatives and Liberals Come From? Part 1 – Tom Mullen (2015)

The Best Argument Against Minimum Wage Laws: You Don’t Own Other People

Free Gift from Tom:

Download a free copy of Tom's new e-book, An Anti-State Christmas, at antistatechristmas.com.

It’s also available in paperback. A great stocking stuffer! Get a few copies for friends and family who need deprogramming or even just a few laughs.

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