The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Philosophical Viewpoint: Libertarianism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I see in Lunaya Pravda that Luna City Council has passed on first reading a bill to examine, license, inspect—and tax—public food vendors operating inside municipal pressure. I see also is to be mass meeting tonight to organize "Sons of Revolution" talk-talk. (1.1)

From the very first paragraph—nay, the very first sentence—we can see the opposing sides of the political conflict. In this corner, government that desires taxes to support its services, and in the other corner, a political rally that will argue for free market capitalism. Let's get ready to rumble.

Quote #2

Wyoh smiled. "Yes, we could throw rocks. But the solution is so simple that you all know it. Here in Luna we're rich. Three million hardworking, smart, skilled people, enough water, plenty of everything, endless power, endless cubic. But… what we don't have is a free market. We must get rid of the Authority!" (2.64)

The importance of a free market is a cornerstone to libertarian ideology, and Wyoh's argument for a Luna free state hinges on this very same argument. To paraphrase, government regulating business and prices is holding Luna back from becoming Awesomeville.

Quote #3

"I can get along with a Randite. A rational anarchist believes that concepts such as 'state' and 'society' and 'government' have no existence save as physically exemplified in the acts of self-responsible individuals. He believes that it is impossible to shift blame, share blame, distribute blame … as blame, guilt, responsibility are matters taking place inside human beings singly and nowhere else." (6.43)

"Rational Anarchist" is the novel's label for its brand of libertarianism. Here, Prof outlines the political philosophy of a rational anarchist. With a lack of government and exemplified individualism, there's not much here any libertarian couldn't get behind with a picket sign.