In Search of a Radical Libertarian Utopia

But lo! men have become the tools of their tools. The man who independently plucked the
fruits when he was hungry is become a farmer; and he who stood under a tree for shelter, a housekeeper. We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven.

-Henry David Thoreau, Walden

An endearing (enviable?) characteristic of my socialist classmates emerges prominently whenever I begin a conversation: their idealistic vision of society develops the social, economic and political opinions they hold. Any pragmatic or realistic restrictions placed upon their vision is secondary to foundational ideals because of a pre-occupation with what should be rather than what is.

This is not to deride idealism as irrelevant and destructive of progress; to the contrary, idealism precipitates activism that alters society and develops a movement. When individuals constantly look toward heaven, to that ideal society, it is an invigoration of sorts which inspires action and thought. As Isaac Morehouse and Christopher Nelson have written, “ideas precede and are necessary for action.  Radical ideas are perhaps the most valuable of all.  Acting without a clear idea of what you are combating and what you are hoping to achieve is irresponsible and certainly reduces the likelihood of success.” Indeed, socialism accomplished (and continues to accomplish) much because of the brave new world it purports to establish and free individuals from overpowering societal constructs. Without idealism, socialism could not have wielded such great influence.

Libertarians tend to be a cynical and skeptical bunch. A heavy economic emphasis, coupled with a derisive (if not hostile) attitude toward government action, usually fails to produce a wild-eyed wonder bordering on childish naïveté. However, maybe a shift in emphasis from economic analysis toward idealism and what society should be is desirable. If we act as reactionaries and fail to present a revolutionary vision, why should anyone care?

Abolitionists in the 19th century did not develop an anti-slavery sentiment throughout the United States by rooting their arguments in slavery being economically inefficient and retarding growth; anti-slavery sentiment grew because of sound moral arguments against the abhorrent idea of owning an individual and controlling an individual’s life. The ideal of liberty and equality precipitated change, not a pragmatic argument critiquing the cost of slavery.

Libertarians should focus more on our heaven, on what society we truly desire to live in and develop. Pragmatic considerations are valid, of course, but only after that ideal society is comprehended. A society where individuals act voluntarily to assist or patronize others, rather than compelled by taxation; a society where individuals may pursue their desires within a capitalist system or a socialist system; a society that is inclusive and rejects fetters put upon individuals by intrusive laws, economic systems, and our own luxury: Such idealism is worthy of a movement to support its aims.

Anarchists are often caricatured and maligned, their radical and idealistic ideas being cannon fodder for insults and an occasional critique. Valid criticisms of anarchism exist (as with any other philosophy), but it misses the point: all philosophies are idealistic to a certain extent and a lack of idealism in any movement may be a foreshadowing of a dying philosophy (conservatism and liberalism come to mind). Minarchists tend to be just as idealistic, along with conservatives, liberals and socialists, the difference being that anarchist idealism is simply less culturally acceptable. However, the radicalism of anarchism remains highly inspirational and its conception of Utopia continually pushing the philosophical debate.

A philosophy advocating partial, gradual reform of existing society is a weak motivator when compared with a philosophy advocating a radical alteration of society. If a movement or philosophy settles on earth and forgets heaven, the utility of its existence is questionable. Libertarianism as a philosophy motivates me not from its rigorous philosophical defenses of lower taxes and a free market as a path to prosperity, but from its Utopian vision of heaven that attempts to foster and develop a framework for individuals to achieve and fulfill their desires. Libertarianism can only grow as a result of its moral, philosophical and spiritual arguments for a better society; an economic, utilitarian argument is valuable in as much as it may demonstrate how a libertarian society would prosper and function.

“One day…I saw a striped snake run into the water, and he lay on the bottom, apparently without inconvenience, as long as I stayed there, or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come out of the torpid state. It appeared to me that for a like reason men remain in their present low and primitive condition; but if they should feel the influence of the spring of springs arousing them, they would of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.”

-Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

An undue emphasis on idealism may lead to stagnation, retreatism or irrelevance, but without a vigorous idealistic vision to drive individuals, they (and society), like Thoreau’s snake, will remain in a torpid state, never entering heaven.

To read more of Anthony Hennen’s writing, check out his blog here.