Love or Fear? - The Question We Face

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Personal reflections and beliefs (& writers I recommend) from my path of understanding love & liberty

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by Christine Smith

Saturday, May 17, 2008

I've been a libertarian most of my adult life and didn't know it. There must be millions of Americans like I was - little "l" libertarians whose hearts embrace libertarian principle (without calling it that), and thus may never have sought out proponents of libertarianism. Before greater liberty will be achieved in America, it must become the will of the people. It is important for liberty-minded individuals to realize the hope is in more people becoming exposed and interested in libertarianism by our example.

Thus, at the conclusion of this piece, I list writers (as well as books & websites) of those I believe are devoted to sharing truth, whose wisdom and knowledge are readily available, and whose examples we would do well to emulate.

As a very young girl and to this day, my greatest admiration has been for those altruistic spirits who committed themselves to being part of making things better (for human beings and the natural world). Studying their lives, I saw a pattern of pursuit of personal fulfillment (from which the benefits to others thereby stemmed). I was an avid reader, and it was the lives and writings of Albert Schweitzer and Thoreau, for example, which had a deep impact on me.

My discovery (through books, films/documentaries) of individuals I could admire due to their achievement as well as their personal fulfillment, combined with a loving nurturing home, developed an emotional strength which equipped me to always pursue anything which interested me.

 I've also considered heredity may also explain, in part, my aptitude for writing, politics, and my desire to not only fulfill myself - but intrinsic to that is making a positive difference in the world. My father was involved in politics years ago. And, my great uncle, John Voelker, was a famous judge, attorney and writer. He served as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, and under his pen name "Robert Traver" he authored 11 books and numerous essays/stories, including writing the classic "Anatomy of a Murder" which was made into the famous film of the same name starring Jimmy Stewart. Both he and my father lived life on their own terms, and though they got involved in politics they loved the wilderness and needed their solitude- characteristics I see in myself - and which have become part of and critical to my devotion and ability to advance liberty.

In the wilderness, I find solace and strength. It provides me peace to contemplate, to question (even myself, my choices and beliefs), as introspection is enhanced in solitude. Solitude is the key to my being grounded and I turn that fortitude into my involvement in the world. Since childhood, I was resilient against conformity; I couldn't care less what others thought or did. I marched to my own drummer. And in doing so, I've been very happy and content.

I believe there are only two emotions in life: love and fear. The choice between those we as individuals make, and as a nation make, determine whether we live in liberty and freedom or under a tyranny. Do we choose to live life on our own terms or do we choose the path of least resistance, of collectivism, peer pressure, or "herd mentality" as Nietzsche calls it? Do we develop our own mind or succumb to a "group mind?" In every decision one must make in life, choosing love over fear is the answer.

I also believe all other feelings stem from either love or fear. When one permits fear to influence them, they give up personal autonomy becoming vulnerable to destructive emotionalism thereby allowing all sense of liberty to be discarded in favor of perceived "security." Conformity and collectivist thought is pervasive; it's the easy route, to fit in, to agree, and to allow others to make choices for them.

Even in the liberty "cause," there is much collectivism or "group think" as silly cliques are formed abandoning the worthy goal of advancing liberty when worshiping the group, and putting it, rather than the cause, on a pedestal becomes the priority. Fear of rejection, fear of retaliation, fear of being harmed, fear of not having enough, fear of ridicule, these and other fears are the reason for the rampant injustices we see. As Nietzsche observed in Beyond Good and Evil, "Madness is rare in individuals-but in groups, parties, nations, and ages it is the rule."

I am wary of groups, even as I join with them, as it is imperative each of us who join a group remain true to ourselves first, so as to remain vigilant against collectivist thought which can lead group members to deviate from the stated purpose or the goal that aligns with our own. It is my observation, it is often with lofty idealism and worthy goals as their original intent that groups of people who later have committed much evil came to power.

Fear is the powerful manipulative tool used by parents, society, and certainly government to control. Fear is the enemy of truth. Fear is the enemy of liberty. I agree with the Scripture: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1John:4:18)

My libertarianism stems from my mind and my heart. Love (a most overused word so I will define), by my definition cannot be divided - it is given all; it is not a feeling but a choice, a choice requiring strength because the world believes love is impossible; it is bold and courageous; it is living one's life joyously free from want to take from another; it is consistent with the libertarian idea of non-aggression or non-initiation of force. Love is respecting every other individual (their life, liberty, property). It is living your life as you choose, recognizing all others right to do the same, it never seeks to force your will upon any other. Love rejects arrogance and pride, thus love makes it possible to recognize one's own mistakes and compels one to do their best to correct them. Love is not judgmental. It is founded on truth.  Love is strong. Love, and its natural result of liberty, exist only in such freedom. Such liberty provides the beautiful choice to give freely.

Sometimes, although rarely, you may even meet another individual with whom you may have a rapport due to common values and beliefs - it is only such a rare individual with whom you can joyfully share, because only such an individual can you wholly appreciate. In such a relationship, both teaching and learning occur simultaneously. Gratitude, empathy, and sincere desire for the other's happiness is paramount (as it becomes one with your own).

Both in personal relationships with those close to us, with all we encounter in our daily life, and outwardly in our community and nation, love is the answer.

It is through such love, as individuals relating to one another, and as a nation, that liberty increases. In its absence there is no healing or growth - only pain. For example, just as in a personal relationship where we try to correct our mistakes by acknowledging them, expressing regret, and doing our best not to repeat them, so it should be in the international arena.

But when was the last time you heard the U.S. government apologize for the millions who have suffered and died because of the decades of imperialism/empire building (the many wars, conflicts, covert military operations, and brutal sanctions) the government has engaged in? The U.S. government (meaning all in government who have been part of rubberstamping & condoning such evil) doesn't care about liberty - only about power.  

The perception and understanding of love and liberty I now have developed (and is developing) over years.  The more I experienced, the more I realized corruption isn't the exception but the rule, that social and economic planning/control doesn't work and is fundamentally immoral, and that peace and prosperity are always heightened by freedom. My political interest grew from my deep desire for spiritual truth and the understanding thereof. Liberty and its pursuit in our political system, is more than a pragmatic conclusion I've come to, but essentially a spiritual one. The moral path, the just path, the righteous path, is that of libertarianism.

This love of liberty, of living free, of expressing and wanting to know, grow, and share, of individuality, is something within each child...until society halts its development. I believe we're on this earth to be happy, and as we focus on our fulfillment, we (should we choose) become individuals capable of truly being a blessing to others. If one does not love himself and follow their heart pursuing their aspirations, how can such an individual be one who can effectively affect beneficial change for the world around them? It's certainly easier to maintain and develop one's individuality when your family is supportive, but the key to recognize is it's there, and remains there though our lifetime even if it has become dim. It is a light that can be relumed!

Books have been my very best friends all my life. As I look back, I believe more than any other human being in my life (save for my father who gave me a loving nurturing upbringing and whom I credit with my development of a strong sense of self, individuality, and determination), my life and my choices on how I live today have been most influenced by those individuals I discovered on the written page. I didn't see much to admire in most of the lives of those around me, and even now today, it is only a very few individuals I have personally met who exemplify the character trait I most respect: integrity.

In other's expression of thoughts, ideas, perceptions and beliefs I find much to contemplate. Introspection is the key to growth, and reading gives one the wealth of other individuals' experiences, contemplation and wisdom. A book recommendation given to me by someone I respect is a precious gift! I welcome such recommendations, for in books so much is communicated which can be eye-opening and life-changing. So, in hopes, that perhaps some of the writers I've most valued and learned from may be helpful to you, I list a number of individuals, books, and online resources.

It is such thinkers, philosophers, and writers who have buttressed my understanding and knowledge of liberty; influenced me spiritually, emotionally and intellectually; and strengthened my resolve to endeavor to always, regardless of the choice before me, to choose love over fear. Those modern writers listed are those I consider to be the best in the nation at effectively communicating truth; although I , of course, read others, the writers below are my favorites whose articles I read regularly. I encourage you to explore the individual writer's names (search their names to discover the often several books and many essays they've written-some I have included online resources to read their works.) Following my list of writer's names, I am also listing favorite books & a few websites.

WRITERS

*Henry David Thoreau.

*Gore Vidal.

*Frederic Bastiat.

*Jacob Hornberger (of the Future of Freedom Foundation). articles & daily blog: [link edited for length] 

*The Future of Freedom Foundation - with a mission to "advance freedom by providing an uncompromising moral and economic case for individual liberty, free markets, private property, and limited government," - http://www.fff.org   & Freedom Daily - monthly digest from the Future of Freedom Foundation featuring writers such as Jacob Hornberger, Sheldon Richman, James Bovard, and others.

*Leonard E. Read.

*Thomas Merton.

*Laurence M. Vance. - Numerous Vance articles at: [link edited for length]

*Mark Twain.

*Ralph Waldo Emerson.

*Ayn Rand.

*Ludwig von Mises.

*Friedrich Hayek.

*Robert Higgs (of the Independent Institute). - Past articles by Robert Higgs on LewRockwell.com - [link edited for length]

*The Independent Institute - with a mission to "transcend the all-too-common politicization and superficiality of public policy research and debate, redefine the debate over public issues, and foster new and effective directions for government reform..." - [link edited for length]

*Richard Bach.

*Ron Paul. - Past articles by Congressman Ron Paul on LewRockwell.com - [link edited for length]

 *Harry Browne

*Murray Rothbard.

BOOKS

*The Bible.

*The Lives of the Saints.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs (writings of the saints) & literature of monasticism/monastic wisdom

*The Law by Frederic Bastiat (and other Bastiat essays)

*Elements of Libertarian Leadership by Leonard E. Read

*The Tao-The Watercourse Way &*The Way of Zen by Alan Watts.

*The Analects-Confucius.

 *Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah & Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.

WEBSITES

I leave you with another quote from Henry David Thoreau, "A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting."

--Christine Smith, May 17, 2008