The term 'libertarianism' has been used to describe a broad range of philosophical and political perspectives. These various approaches may be positive and valuable to us, but they may also prove the opposite. It is a term mired in confusion and right-wing obfuscation. Within the political context, the term was first coined by Joseph Déjacque, a poet and revolutionist, in the mid-19th century as a way of skirting the persecution of anarchists by the French state.
Whilst, in essence, the personal and political libertarianism of which I speak is simple in terms of broad functionality, its application and the explanations offered about it are frequently meticulous and overly complex. Libertarianism is a synthesis of the individual, their community and broader society committing to and understanding the value of developing the individual's unique characteristics alongside our common characteristics. Following this is the understanding that any new ideas and perspectives an individual presents to us may, over time, be broadly adopted. These ideas may become part of our shared characteristics and practices, thereby developing greater individual and societal sophistication, function and freedom.
Libertarianism asserts that no person or institution is qualified or justified in coercively determining how any individual or community thinks or acts. This extends only to the point where direct harm is caused to others by the individual's or community's actions. This point can give rise to grey areas, which must be addressed as libertarian approaches to society are established. While libertarian principles can be useful on a personal level, in almost any material conditions, their full application and function would require an economic system based on communist or, at least, socialist principles. Material want degrades the individual's ability to function well in all aspects of their inner life.
Further, a lack of control over one's working life directly opposes libertarian principles. Therefore, communism, with its free distribution of goods and services and lack of any central authority or coercive hierarchies, should provide fertile soil on which libertarian principles can take root and flourish if fully realised.
THE UTILITY OF LIBERTARIANISM
To truly pursue the development of one's unique perspective and insist on being free to think and act as one sees fit, the libertarian must first come to terms with their nature as a human animal. Humanity's development is fuelled by our natural tendency and ability to work cooperatively. They must realise that for every person on the planet, survival is dependent on the material and social support of those close to them, their community, and the larger body of people known as society. Furthermore, it must be understood that the development of the individual is almost always dependent on that support and, equally important, the willingness of society and the individuals within it to at allow and preferably encourage the experimental process of recognising, developing and expressing their idiosyncrasies and unique (or not-so-unique) ideas. In this recognition, the beautiful and functional reciprocity of libertarianism is discovered.
We must understand that one's freedom and ability to develop and express who and what they are depends on everyone in society being afforded the same consideration. The libertarian is driven by self-interest to facilitate the freedom of others. Through this process, contrary to the 'individualism' of capitalism, the individualism of libertarianism is a communal phenomenon. It brings forth the philosophical imperatives that will lead to the creation of truly horizontal organisations and institutions. The coming together of uniquely developing individuals in economic, social and artistic endeavours will significantly increase the pool of ideas, knowledge and approaches to any given problem or pursuit.
Socially, a community made up of uniquely developed individuals will
be a great source of spiritual sustenance for those individuals. A greater diversity of ideas and practices will provide an environment in which problems and challenges have an abundance of possible solutions at hand. Essentially, the libertarianism described here will be a unifying and galvanising force which encourages the individual to value themself for what they are, treat themself with the respect and admiration that they deserve and, in the process, facilitate others in doing the same. This process of self-affirmation will result in individuals valuing and appreciating themselves and, by extension, those around them. Such a culture will accelerate the development of increasingly free and fair systems of production, creativity, and decision-making.
Libertarian individualism is the ultimate in collectivist philosophies
and is the approach by which we will create a positive feedback loop
of egalitarian individual and collective power!
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