Jonathan Rauch understands. Just read it, please.
My thanks to A Constrained Vision, via Jujitsui Generis, for the pointer.
Related posts:
IQ and Personality (March 14, 2004)
IQ and Politics (March 14, 2004)
The Right is Smarter Than the Left (June 11, 2004)
The Advantages of Introversion (May 1, 2005)
"Thinking" vs. "Feeling" (June 8, 2005)
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On Liberty
John Stuart Mill opined that "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." But who determines whether an act is harmful or harmless? Acts deemed harmless by an individual are not harmless if they subvert the societal bonds of trust and self-restraint upon which liberty itself depends. Which is not to say that all social regimes are regimes of liberty. Liberty requires voice -- the freedom to dissent -- and exit -- the freedom to choose one's neighbors and associates. Voice and exit depend, in turn, on the rule of law under a minimal central government, such as the one envisioned by the Framers of our Constitution. Liberty, because it is a social phenomenon and not an innate condition of humanity, must be won and preserved by staunchly and unflinchingly defending the nation and through the swift and certain administration of justice.
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