Traditionally used to differentiate coercive Statist forms (authoritarian) of socialism from cooperative anarchist forms (libertarian). Adopted by the right-wing in the early 1900s to describe an extremist capitalist philosophy, who now try claim to have exclusive use of the term and ignore its roots.
While the real libertarians try to destroy all forms of domination, control and power, the other libertarians are plotting how to get it.
by Agent Zero September 28, 2003
Libertarians support maximum liberty in both personal and economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence.
Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.
by Dancing with Fire January 4, 2013
Someone who believes in individual liberty as a political principle. Libertarians want a small government that focuses on protecting individual rights and little else. They believe the government should have no role in social matters (gay marriage, for example) and business matters (regulations on businesses such as licensing and minimum wage laws). They want fewer wars and less political corruption, and a greatly reduced welfare state. They believe that this arrangement is both moral (because individual rights are paramount) and practical (because free markets lead to more diversity and wealth).
by FreeAfter20 November 2, 2017
To put it bluntly, a political theory for people who don't have the balls to admit they are anarchists.
Libertarianism is to Anarchism as Agnosticism is to Atheism.
Random libertarian: No, I'm no anarchist. I just don't believe government should interfere with my live at all. That's all... honest...
Random libertarian: No, I'm no anarchist. I just don't believe government should interfere with my live at all. That's all... honest...
by Bearer of bad news June 10, 2010
The political philosophy of the Founding Fathers. The original philosophy of the Republican Party which has somehow morphed into the abomination it is today. Small government, free trade. Pretty much everything the Republican Party would like you to believe they are but aren't.
Ron Paul is a libertarian, but since the libertarian party can't get enough momentum, he tried to run as a republican. But since modern day neo-conservatives are too stupid to see the libertarianism America came from he did not become president.
by shknerth August 7, 2010
1.)Anarchy for rich people.
2.) What every High School dropout in the suburbs believes to follow.
3.) Like most political philosophies, it has it's faults.
4.) Left wingers who don't like to spend money.
2.) What every High School dropout in the suburbs believes to follow.
3.) Like most political philosophies, it has it's faults.
4.) Left wingers who don't like to spend money.
High School Dropout: Libertarianism is the true path to total freedom!
Apathetic Normal Person: Then how comes you guys have yet to get elected into the white house?
Apathetic Normal Person: Then how comes you guys have yet to get elected into the white house?
by Danny Danger July 12, 2010
I don't really like abortions, but I don't mind if you have one that's your choice, because that's just what it means to be a libertarian, you do you. ( as compared to being a communist where the government makes your choices for you) (as compared to being a liberal where some dick bag in California makes your choices for you) ( as compared to Republican where some dick bag from Kentucky makes your choices for you)
by Anti oppressionist January 28, 2018