I’m not a Libertarian although I strongly agree with some of its principles.
This post won’t be a scholarly enunciation either of Libertarian philosophy nor of Socialism (and all its sibiling labels). Rather, it is meant, partly in a light-hearted manner, to list out the main items of difference between the two schools and their adherents.
Disclaimer: Contains some broad generalizations but those more well-versed in the subject than I am, I’m sure will tend to agree.
Libertarian: Believes in minimal state interference in people’s lives
Socialist: Looks to the State as mai-baap
Libertarian: Believes in economics as the Prime Mover of a society/nation.
Socialist: Advocates the State as the Prime Mover of economics.
Libertarian: Trusts that people given the liberty, usually end up doing things beneficial to each other.
Socialist: Believes special people were made to guide the rest to decide on their behalf, what’s good for them.
Libertarian: Looks at state interference as a hurdle and/or creator of problems.
Socialist: Argues for more state interference as a solution to the problem which was created owing precisely to state interference.
Libertarian: Relies on reasoning, and the scientific method of analyzing a problem.
Socialist: Relies on anecdotal evidence and emotive outburst to approach a problem.
Libertarian: Emphasizes on economic activity for increasing societal prosperity.
Socialist: Emphasizes on social justice as a substitute for economic activity to achieve egalitarianism.
Libertarian: Understands people are endowed with different skills and talents and are therefore rewarded accordingly.
Socialist: Seeks to “equalize” these for the “greater benefit of the society.”
Rants, comments, criticism?
Tags: General, Miscellaneous, War on Communism, Weblogs
On 03.22.06 Praveen says:
This post will help beginners understand the rants going at the libertarian and humanatarian cartels.
On 03.22.06 doubtinggaurav says:
You are going to get lots of people angry with this
On 03.22.06 Sandeep says:
doubtingG,
Can’t please ‘em all
On 03.23.06 HyperTree says:
post
On 03.23.06 HyperTree says:
A damning indictment of libertarianism; thanks!
Relying on hegemonstic machinistic reason instead of a human pragmatic feeling? Emphasizing vulgar money, most probably obtained by unsustainable practices instead of a collectively joyous egalitarianism?
Hopefully this exposition of the moral hollowness of the libertarian camp would lead more of the capitalist minions into the inviting arms of uscompassionate socialists.
On 11.13.07 KaoruTheAnarchist says:
This generalisation seems to ignore the fact that libertairian socialism, what some argue is the original libertarianism, is against state interference.
On 08.15.08 someone says:
“to the problem which was created owing precisely to state interference”
As someone torn between Libertarian and Socialism, I think this is a misrepresentation of the Socialist view. The people are at fault for creating this problem, if they weren’t then anarchy would work.
I like socialism in that it makes everyone equal and is arguably more efficient, but I like libertarianism because it emphasizes the individual’s rights. Libertarian promotes values that I don’t agree with, however; such as capitalism and materialism.
On 10.28.08 Brittany says:
Hyper Tree-
I don’t like the principle in socialism that everyone is equal. If everyone is equal, then there would be no reason to excel. If you’re not going to be any better than a McDonald’s burger flipper, then why go through the exhausting work of medical school?
I am in between the two principles. I don’t align myself with either thought process fully, but I tend to lean more towards libertarianism than socialism.
We keep hearing a lot about the distribution of wealth with this Presidential election, and I cannot stand it. I do not think that it is right for my money, which I earned by going through a lot of schooling and paid for entirely myself, to go to someone who is content to work a minimum wage job. People need to take the responsibility of improving their own lives upon themselves. John McCain said it best. We do not need the redistribution of wealth but rather the redistribution of opportunity.
On 10.28.08 Brittany says:
That last post wasn’t supposed to be for HyperTree. That was my mistake. It should have been directed at someone’s post on August 15, 2008.
On 10.29.08 Kristin says:
Thank you Brittany. I feel exactly the same. Socialism gives no incentive to better yourself. Instead you end up with a pacifier from the government, placed there so you will continue to vote to whoever will keep that pacifier in place. It is a dangerous step for our country to go in. Once it’s doled out, it will be very hard to ween. And in these current financial times we should be encouraging people to succeed and create small businesses, use their ingenuity, not waiting around for a check.
I’m much more in favor of creating individual opportunity through better education. Our schools are not keeping up with the pace of the changing world. Finance, business and accounting should be taught at earlier stages and in more detail for all American children so they all feel they have a chance at being a small business owner or understand small business.
I feel that this deep divide on the issues roots back to business & corporations being looked at as evil from the left.
But business, from massage therapists to sandwich shops to accounting firms all serve a purpose and a need.
How will wealth redistribution help our economy in the long term?
On 10.31.08 Julie says:
I think “Evil” corporations are the ones that rake in billions of dollars and run the country with the government in their pocket. Regulations on business practices should be stronger. While I’m perfectly comfortable earning a five figure income, people should strive for what they want. It’s at the expense of those who cannot achieve the same because of insurmountable circumstances that is wrong. This is an undeniable reality in the world right now. Socialism is an extreme answer though.
Liberalism worries me because what about the care of mentally ill and developmentally disabled(which is my vocation)? Many don’t have families or help without government intervention. Just look out in the streets of any big city - the forgotten people. Are communities of this country ready to take care of those around them who can’t?