One of the more disturbing aspects of our times is the growing distrust, even dislike, and, therefore, disregard for liberty in a seemingly growing number of corners of life. There is plenty of talk about “equality,” “racial justice,” “democracy,” “socialism,” “privilege,” “oppression” and “racism.” But of liberty—that is, the liberty of the individual to live his own life peacefully and honestly in voluntary association with others, both inside and outside of the marketplace? Nary a word or a passing reference.
Leaving people alone to go about their own business as they find it most desirable, convenient, and profitable to better their own lives as they think best, including on mutually agreeable terms in associative consort with others, is either ignored as unworthy of any significance and value, or is viewed with suspicion that any who want to do so or who act as advocates of such liberty must have some nefarious motives in mind.
Indeed, the implicit assumption always lingering in the air is that anyone who lives and acts in such a free manner will, intentionally or unintentionally, bring harm to others. They will cheat workers in the labor market, deceive and take advantage of customers in the product or service market, or will hurt and oppress minority or other groups classified as “disadvantaged” and vulnerable to abuse because such “individualists” lack a proper “social conscience” and sense of “social responsibility.”
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