The Basics of Choosing to Live Together: An Introduction to Voluntaryism

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Voluntaryism! This is a belief that says we should only do things with others if everyone agrees to it. It’s about freedom, understanding, and growth, and it’s an idea that tells us to always choose kindness and agreement over force.

Understanding How We Know Things (Epistemological Argument)

You can’t force someone to understand or believe something. In her book, “The God of the Machine,” Isabel Paterson tells us that government can’t give us things that nature hasn’t already provided. For example, a law can’t make a person smarter, but it can limit how smart they’re allowed to be.

Just like Baldy Harper used to say, “You cannot shoot a truth!” This means that using force doesn’t help us understand or grow. It limits us, and it can never create a better society.

The Way We Trade and Share (Economic Argument)

When people choose to trade things with each other, they usually do it to make their lives better. Voluntaryism lets this happen naturally. If nobody stops it, we can all benefit.

But when governments or other forces step in and mess with this natural trading system, they can make it harder for people to make good decisions. This makes life difficult for everyone and stops new ideas and inventions from happening.

Choosing Right from Wrong (Moral Argument)

Being free to choose means we might sometimes make bad choices, but we can also make great ones. By not forcing people to do what we think is right, we also protect ourselves from being forced by others. True goodness comes from choosing freely, not from being made to act a certain way.

Common Sense and Natural Laws (Natural Law Argument)

Things that are right and just come from nature, not from government rules. As Epictetus, the ancient philosopher, said, we don’t need government to tell us what’s right. Nature itself guides us.

Matching Our Goals with Our Actions (Means-End Argument)

We can’t achieve a world where people voluntarily live together by forcing them to do so. This is like trying to plant a seed of force and expecting it to grow into a flower of freedom. Instead, by living by the principles of voluntaryism, governments and force will lose power, and people can live more freely.

Being Consistent with What We Believe (Consistency Argument)

Our actions must match our goals. We can’t fight for peace by waging war, nor can we promote freedom by taking it away from others. Everyone’s freedom is linked, and we must preserve it for all if we want to keep it for ourselves.

Staying True to Ourselves and Avoiding Corruption (Integrity, Self-Control, and Corruption Argument)

Each person controls their own mind, and nobody can force them to think or act against their will. Governments can’t harm our way of life or our belief in voluntaryism.

Power can be harmful. It can limit people’s lives and corrupt those who use it. Even a small amount of power can change a person’s character, making them less able to live freely and think for themselves.

Conclusion

Voluntaryism is about living freely, making choices, and respecting others. It guides us to create a better world where we all agree to live together without force. By understanding these basic principles, we can grow and thrive in a society that celebrates our shared human nature.