Scott interviews Sheldon Richman about his new book, What Social Animals Owe to Each Other, a collection of essays exploring libertarian political philosophy, particularly as it relates to ancient Greek philosophy and the roots of liberalism. Libertarians sometimes think too narrowly, says Richman, giving in to the stereotype of libertarians as rugged individualists who reject cooperation and community altogether. In reality, of course, libertarianism not only allows for these things, but also sees them as vitally important for the division of labor, free trade and the improvement of economic prospects for everybody.

Discussed on the show:

• LibertarianInstitute.org/Books
• “What Social Classes Owe Each Other” (Mises Institute)
• Economic Harmonies
• Myths of Rich and Poor: Why We’re Better Off Than We Think
• “Human Action” (Mises Institute)
• “Left and Right: The Prospects for Liberty” (Mises Institute)
• “Rothbard’s ‘Left and Right’: 40 Years Later | Roderick T. Long” (YouTube)

Sheldon Richman is the executive editor of the Libertarian Institute and the author of Coming to Palestine and America’s Counter-Revolution: The Constitution Revisited. Follow him on Twitter @SheldonRichman.

This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: NoDev NoOps NoIT, by Hussein Badakhchani; The War State, by Mike Swanson; WallStreetWindow.com; Tom Woods’ Liberty Classroom; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott; Listen and Think Audio; TheBumperSticker.com; and LibertyStickers.com.

Donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal, or Bitcoin: 1Ct2FmcGrAGX56RnDtN9HncYghXfvF2GAh.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download