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The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom

• Published By Simon & Schuster

Libertarianism—the philosophy of personal and economic freedom—has deep roots in Western civilization and in American history. Today, it is increasingly recognized for its influence on politics and public policy, both celebrated by its champions and decried by its opponents. The modern world was built on libertarian principles: global trade, free markets, individual rights, legal equality, and the rule of law. Libertarian thinkers have shaped how we view everything from gun rights to gay rights, monetary policy to the all-volunteer military. At the same time, libertarians are a distinct political minority, not fitting easily into either major party. That outsider’s perspective comes with unique criticisms of the status quo, including America’s endless overseas wars, runaway deficit spending, the growth of regulatory bureaucracy, the erosion of civil liberties, a broken criminal justice system, and the perils of presidential power.

In The Libertarian Mind, David Boaz, longtime executive vice president of the Cato Institute, offers a comprehensive overview of libertarian ideas, their history and influence, and the enduring libertarian vision for a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom.

Praise for the book

“They say the libertarian moment has arrived. If you want to understand and be a part of that moment, read David Boaz’s The Libertarian Mind where you’ll be drawn into the ‘eternal struggle of liberty vs. power,’ where you’ll learn that libertarianism presumes that you were born free and not a subject of the state. The Libertarian Mind belongs on every freedom-lover’s bookshelf.”
—Senator Rand Paul


“For anyone who wants to explore the ideas that are energizing the right and exasperating the left, David Boaz’s clear and often passionate book is the place to begin.”
—Jonathan Rauch, Brookings Institution


“America is a country full of people who feel personal liberty and individual responsibility in their guts. This book puts those guts into words. America is also a country full of politicians, academics, and self-possessed elites who mistrust liberty and responsibility to the bottom of their souls. This book plants a kick in that fundament.”
—P.J. O’Rourke


The Libertarian Mind is a brilliantly updated version of Libertarianism: A Primer that is very clearly written with quite reasonable and compelling arguments on behalf on human freedom. Boaz’s message is both timeless and extraordinarily relevant to the challenges that we are facing today. It deserves to be read carefully and thoughtfully by everyone who truly cares about creating a more ethical and prosperous world.”
—John P. Mackey, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Whole Foods Market


“David Boaz has been my guide to the history, economics, and politics of freedom for years.”
—John Stossel

About the Author

David Boaz, who passed away in 2024, was the executive vice president of the Cato Institute. He played a key role in the development of the Cato Institute and the libertarian movement. He was the author of The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom and the editor of The Libertarian Reader.