A Bit of History <\/p>\n
When I first heard the term libertarianism in the early 1950s, I mentioned it to Ayn Rand as a possible name for our political philosophy. She was suspicious of the term and inclined to dismiss it as a neologism. Its a mouthful, she remarked. And it sounds too much like a made-up word.<\/p>\n
I answered, Maybe so, but what alternative do we have?<\/p>\n
She said, Were advocates of laissez-faire capitalism.<\/p>\n
I answered, Sure, but thats kind of a mouthful too its not a one-word name and besides, it puts the whole emphasis on economics and politics and we stand for something wider and more comprehensive: were champions of individual rights. Were advocates of a non-coercive society.<\/p>\n
I suggested that libertarianism could convey all that by means of a single word especially if we were to define libertarianism as a social system that (a) barred the initiation of force from all human relationships and (b) was based on the inviolability of individual rights.<\/p>\n
Ayn considered this suggestion briefly, then shook her head and said, No. It sounds too much like a made-up word.<\/p>\n
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View original post here:<\/p>\n
The Origins of Libertarianism: Nathaniel Branden<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Bit of History When I first heard the term libertarianism in the early 1950s, I mentioned it to Ayn Rand as a possible name for our political philosophy. She was suspicious of the term and inclined to dismiss it as a neologism. Its a mouthful, she remarked. Continue reading