Humanitarian Legend F.A. Harper

By LJ Caranza on

Humanitarian Legend F.A. Harper

Introduction

Born on February 7, 1905, in the heartland of America, F.A. Harper’s early life planted the seeds for his profound contributions to humanitarian (or as some might say, “voluntaryist”) efforts.

Notable Contributions

F.A. Harper was not just a thinker; he was a visionary. His deep-rooted belief in individualist liberty shaped much of free-market libertarian thought. For Harper, the value of individual freedom wasn’t just a philosophy—it was a way of life. He often critiqued collectivism, emphasizing that it dampened the human spirit and hindered progress.

Among the myriad of contributions Harper made, here are the top five things he’s most renowned for:

  1. Championing the principle of individualist liberty as a supreme value.
  2. His robust defense of free markets and the inherent rights of individuals.
  3. Emphasizing the dangers of collectivism and its impact on society.
  4. Advocating for a society where voluntary actions guide interactions rather than coercive measures.
  5. Being a vocal proponent of humanitarian efforts, viewing it as the truest form of human cooperation.

Libertarian Inconsistencies

While Harper’s contributions to voluntaryist thought were immense, it’s worth noting that, like all thinkers, he wasn’t without his contradictions. On occasions, some of his work deviated from the pure philosophy of voluntaryism. For instance, while he generally championed complete individual freedom, there were moments when he seemed to suggest some level of societal intervention for the “greater good.” However, these deviations were minor and did not stray too far from the core principles of voluntaryism as championed by thought leaders like Lysander Spooner and Larken Rose.

Notable Works

Harper’s writings have inspired generations. Here are some of his most significant publications:

Conclusion

F.A. Harper’s legacy as a humanitarian visionary continues to resonate today. His unwavering belief in individual liberty and his critique of collectivism have left an indelible mark on the world of free thought. For those keen to dive deeper into his life and works, you can find more information on his Wikipedia page.

It seems that wherever the Welfare State is involved, the moral precept, “Thou shalt not steal,” becomes altered to say: “Thou shalt not steal, except for what thou deemest to be a worthy cause, where thou thinkest that thou canst use the loot for a better purpose than wouldst the victim of the theft.” -Humanitarian Legend F.A. Harper

 

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