The Libertarian Mind A Manifesto for Freedom

An updated edition of David Boaz’s timeless primer on libertarianism, with a new preface by the author.

Libertarianism—the philosophy of personal and economic freedom—has deep roots in Western civilization and in American history, with increasing appeal to those dissatisfied with the status quo. The growth of executive power, chronic deficits, counterproductive foreign military interventions, protectionist trade measures, a costly drug war, and many other threats to civil liberties have pushed millions of Americans in a libertarian direction.

The Libertarian Mind is a comprehensive guide to the history and philosophy of this movement. This updated edition delves into the principles of libertarianism, exploring its roots and its development over time. It offers a rich collection of ideas that present a compelling case for individual liberty and mutual cooperation. Challenging the notion of top-down governmental control, the book advocates instead for a society built on freedom and individual rights.

But The Libertarian Mind is more than just a book; it’s a manifesto for freedom. It’s a call to action for those who believe in the sovereignty and fundamental dignity of the individual and the importance of political freedom.

David Boaz (1953–2024) was a distinguished senior fellow of the Cato Institute. For more than four decades as vice president for public policy and executive vice president, he played a key role in the development of both the Cato Institute and the libertarian movement. He is the author of The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom (first edition titled Libertarianism: A Primer) and the editor of The Libertarian Reader. His articles appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications.