by Ian Tartt
There are far too many books in the libertarian spirit to mention here. So instead, enjoy this short list of the ones every libertarian should read at least once.
1. The Law
Written in 1850 by Frederic Bastiat, this book shows how the very laws that are in place to preserve our freedoms can instead be used to take them away. Bastiat also contrasts socialism and liberty, giving rise to this quote that still applies to arguments against libertarianism today: “Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education…It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.” Additionally, The Law is just under ninety pages in length, making it a quick, easy read and a great introduction to basic libertarian principles.
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2. Economics in One Lesson
Another great introductory book, Economics in One Lesson offers an explanation of fundamental Austrian Economic ideas. Covering profits, taxes, minimum wage laws, tariffs, rent control, unions, and more, author Henry Hazlitt lays a solid foundation which can be built upon later with more challenging works. Economics are a huge part of libertarianism, and this book is a great starting point for economic understanding.
3. End the Fed
Everyone, libertarian or not, should know the destructive role the Federal Reserve has played on our economy and our money. In End the Fed, Ron Paul explains just how that has occurred. He includes conversations he’s had with Federal Reserve Chairmen Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke, the impact central banks have on war, four solid arguments against the Fed from four different angles, and other great stuff. This is one of the greatest works from one of the greatest libertarian activists of our time.
4. Liberty Defined
In the second book by Ron Paul on the list, he makes a great case for constitutional government. Covering fifty major issues, Liberty Defined explains Ron Paul’s personal thoughts on each issue as well as why he feels they should be left to state governments instead of the federal government. Anyone who likes the Constitution, limited government, or Ron Paul should check this book out.
5. Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
Ayn Rand is best known for the epic work that is Atlas Shrugged. If you’re familiar with that book, think of Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal as the stripped-down version. Coming in at about four hundred pages, Capitalism is a straightforward collection of essays explaining Rand’s philosophy. As suggested by the title, capitalism is a major topic of the book, but also included is a case for minimal, or minarchist, government. Ayn Rand, Nathaniel Branden, and Alan Greenspan (before he got involved with the Federal Reserve) cover a wide range of topics in this book, making it another great one to check out.
6. For a New Liberty
Last but not least is a great book by Murray Rothbard. Although it might be possible to read For a New Liberty before reading any other libertarian books, it would probably be better to have read at least one of the books on this list before diving into this book. Rothbard talks about the classical liberal heritage of America, natural rights, economics, personal freedom, and how a stateless society might function. Yep, this book advocates anarchism. Whether or not you agree with Rothbard’s arguments, the book is well worth the read for the other material, and it’s a great juxtaposition to the Ron Paul and Ayn Rand books that prescribe constitutional or minimal government. This book is a great exploration of basic libertarian principles taken as far as they can go and shows why Rothbard was known as Mr. Libertarian.