The paradox of libertarianism?
One of Andrew Sullivan’s friends via D.C. Toedt. Hmm. I don’t think I fit neatly into either category Manzi describes. I’m a ‘canonical libertarian’ all for maximum freedom (decriminalise prostitution and drugs) limited only by the no-harm principle. But I don’t claim individualism, liberty or libertarianism are ends in themselves or a complete worldview (the selfishness that AFAIK Ayn Rand promoted... anti-social, anti-church, the ultimate Protestantism) answering all questions about ultimate truths. It’s only a practical way for people with different views to get along. (As Ludwig von Mises said the market is a natural way of promoting that: money even from people you don’t like is still money). As I wrote recently to a friend who happens to be gay, libertarianism is my love-my-neighbour hedge; the Catholic position on that issue makes complete sense to me but if I’m wrong at least I defended my neighbour’s right to live in peace.