In a world dominated by ever-expanding governments and increasing intervention in our lives, the philosophy of small government has found renewed interest among Mainers. We argue that limiting the power of the state is essential for individual freedom, economic prosperity, and a more just society. To delve deeper into the principles of small government, here’s a curated list of books, essays, podcasts, and videos from a diverse range of thinkers in the libertarian tradition.
Books:
“Nullification” by Thomas E. Woods
As New York Times bestselling author Thomas E. Woods, Jr. explains, nullification allows states to reject unconstitutional federal laws. For many tea partiers nationwide, nullification is rapidly becoming the only way to stop an overreaching government drunk on power. From privacy to national healthcare, Woods shows how this growing and popular movement is sweeping across America and empowering states to take action against Obama’s socialist policies and big-government agenda.
“Enough Already: Time to End the War in Afghanistan” by Scott Horton
“In Fool’s Errand, Scott Horton masterfully explains the tragedy of America’s longest war and makes the case for immediate withdrawal. I highly recommend this excellent book on America’s futile and self-defeating occupation of Afghanistan.” – Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers whistleblower and author of Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers.
“Planning for Freedom” by Ludwig Von Mises
The seventeen essays in Planning for Freedom: Let the Market System Work are tied together by one overarching idea, best expressed by Mises in the capstone essay “Profit and Loss.” The essays in the final section of the book summarize Mises’s contributions to economic thought and emphasize his firm belief in the power of ideas.
“An Agorist Primer” by Samuel Edward Konkin III
In the new paperback edition of AN AGORIST PRIMER, Samuel Edward Konkin III — the creator and premier activist and theoretician of Agorism — introduces the most powerful means to free yourself, protect and increase your wealth, and liberate the whole of human society in the process! Agorism is applied Counter-Economics — the philosophy of engaging in free-market activities in defiance of government control. An evolution of libertarianism, Agorism embraces all non-coercive human action and opposes all force- or fraud-based attempts to stifle innovation, trade, thought, and wealth.
“Anatomy of the State” by Murray Rothbard
Murray Rothbard was known as the state’s greatest living enemy, and this book is his most powerful statement on the topic. He explains what a state is and what it is not. He shows how it is an institution that violates all that we hold as honest and moral, and how it operates under a false cover. He shows how the state wrecks freedom, destroys civilization, and threatens all lives and property and social well being, all under the veneer of “good intentions.”
“What Social Animals Owe Each Other” by Sheldon Richman
These essays, written over the past 20 years, have a single underlying theme: namely, that we human beings, as social animals, need individual freedom to fully flourish. The equation is simple: individual freedom = social cooperation = individual and social flourishing. Many corollaries follow. To pick one, the freedom to choose with whom we will cooperate entails competition among those who wish to cooperate with any given individual. So the imagined conflict between cooperation and competition is a misjudgment. They are two sides of the same coin.
“Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action” by Robert P. Murphy
Unlike what usually passes for economics in many classrooms, government, the media and elsewhere, Choice is an engaging and intriguing book that provides something quite unique: a genuine treatise on economics that both instructs and entertains both economists and general readers. Drawing on the seminal volume by the “Austrian School” economist Ludwig von Mises, Human Action, and comparing classical and neoclassical approaches, Choice is a creative, comprehensive, and unusually lucid book on economic science and market processes.
“Defending the Undefendable” by Walter Block
It is among the most famous of the great defenses of victimless crimes and controversial economic practices, from profiteering and gouging to bribery and blackmail. However, beneath the surface, this book is also an outstanding work of microeconomic theory that explains the workings of economic forces in everyday events and affairs.Murray Rothbard explains why:”Defending the Undefendable performs the service of highlighting, the fullest and starkest terms, the essential nature of the productive services performed by all people in the free market.
“The Road to Serfdom” by F.A. Hayek
An unimpeachable classic work in political philosophy, intellectual and cultural history, and economics, The Road to Serfdom has inspired and infuriated politicians, scholars, and general readers for half a century. Originally published in 1944—when Eleanor Roosevelt supported the efforts of Stalin, and Albert Einstein subscribed lock, stock, and barrel to the socialist program—The Road to Serfdom was seen as heretical for its passionate warning against the dangers of state control over the means of production. For F. A. Hayek, the collectivist idea of empowering government with increasing economic control would lead not to a utopia but to the horrors of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
“The Law” by Frederic Bastiat
Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850) was a French economist, statesman and author. He did most of his writing during the years just before and just following the Revolution of February 1848 in France. This was the period during which France was turning to Socialism. The explanations and arguments then advanced against socialism by Mr. Bastiat were equally relevant for many Americans in the 1950s.
Podcasts:
Part of the Problem with Dave Smith
Dave Smith expounds upon current events, our government, foreign policy, and all things Libertarian. He is part of the new generation of pundits. He’ll educate you and open your eyes to the possibility of a truly free nation.
The Bob Murphy Show
The podcast promoting free markets, free minds, and grateful souls.
Mises Wire
Audio recordings of Mises Wire articles, offering contemporary news and opinion through the lens of Austrian economics and libertarian political economy.
The Brian Nichols Show
Instead of focusing on winning arguments, we’re teaching the basic fundamentals of sales and marketing and how we can use them to WIN in both the worlds of business and politics; teaching you how to meet people where they’re at on the issues they care about.
Lions of Liberty
The greatest OG libertarian/anarchist podcast network in the world. On Monday, John Odermatt delivers a powerful mix of inspiration, health and faith to set your mind, body and soul free with Finding Freedom, and every Wednesday Brian McWilliams will make you laugh at our broken world while providing the promise of a better future with Mean Age Daydream.
The Scott Horton Show
Join the hero of the anti-war movement for over 6,000 interviews! This show will give you intellectual ammo needed to stop the war machine.
Ron Paul Liberty Report
The Liberty Report brings provocative opinion and analysis to the breaking issues affecting our lives and finances. It is live-cast on YouTube at 12pm ET (US) and is co-hosted by Daniel McAdams, who is the Executive Director of The Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity.
Contra Krugman
Contra Krugman eviscerates the work of economist Paul Krugman.
The Soho Forum Debate Series
The Soho Forum is a monthly debate series held in Soho/Noho, Manhattan. A project of the Reason Foundation, the series features topics of special interest to libertarians and aims to enhance social and professional ties within the NYC libertarian community.
For live events- https://www.thesohoforum.org/
Videos:
The Libertarian Speech I Would Deliver to the Whole Country – Tom Woods
Life and Property – Ludwig Von Mises
Who is Ready to Fight for Freedom? – Spike Cohen
Free to Choose Documentary – Milton Friedman
Economics 101, Lecture Series – Murray Rothbard
This quick resource guide serves as a roadmap for those seeking a deeper understanding of the small government philosophy. Whether through the written word, engaging podcasts, or insightful videos, these materials provide a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of the principles that underpin the call for limited government and increased individual liberty.
