LogicalLearning.net | As stated on the book’s cover, The Psychology of Liberty (400 pp.) “is a visionary journey explaining a novel political system of freedom and justice named Self-Governing Capitalism. Objectivity and logic are utilized to discover truth both psychologically and politically. The book paints an inspiring picture of a world in which objective values of individuals are held supreme.”
Here you will also find the preface, as well as the table of contents, which is now linked to all the sections from the book’s chapters. Now you can read the entire book on your computer (or print out the various sections). Also available online is the index. The pdf version of the book can now be downloaded too. As of 2007, I’ve released it (and everything else on this site) into the public domain, or copylefted it, which means that you don’t need to get permission to use what suits you. As the saying goes, all rites reversed; reprint what you like.
A summary and personal statement is below the following ordering information for the book in print.
Go to the book’s page on the publisher’s Web site, Xlibris.com, for a longer description; a personal statement by the author can be found there too. The book is available in both hardcover and softcover.
To purchase go to: www.xlibris.com/ThePsychologyofLiberty.html
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Book Summary
What is the ideal politics? Is there in fact a rational ideal in the political context? The Psychology of Liberty answers with a resounding yes. It describes a noncontradictory political system called Self-Governing Capitalism. The “unalienable Rights” outlined by the Founders of the United States of America, particularly “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”—and just as importantly, property—are analyzed in the philosophical context of past and present cultures and in today’s coercive governmental and status quo social institutions.
Both personal and political enlightenment are explored with the guidance of logic, the method of noncontradictory identification. This yields a social/political system in which individuals and groups treat each other with the understanding and respect they deserve. A culture of high self-esteem, happiness, voluntarism, and accompanying justice is thereby promoted.
This totally free market system is one in which people embrace objective values and enforce only those laws that are based on the principle of individual rights (i.e., objective laws). In other words, people decide to interact with others in voluntary, mutually advantageous ways, rather than in aggressive, destructive, and haphazard ways. A new, rational society therefore emerges from the idea that initiating force against others is contradictory; only retaliatory force (i.e., self-defense) is justifyable.
To achieve this ideal political vision naturally requires much understanding of ourselves—of human nature. For example, by grasping the nature of conceptual knowledge, we can determine the requirements of living with others on Earth. This requires an examination of the nature of reality also. Both greater introspection and extrospection are demanded of us, which entails raising the level of our awareness about key issues and problems—problems that are personal, societal, and global. Though these are not small tasks, they are still within our capability and, when accomplished, provide amazing rewards. Motivation is key, and this book serves as a motivator.
Wes Bertrand lives in New Hampshire. He attained a MA degree in counseling psychology at USIU (now Alliant International University) in San Diego, CA. Most of his life was spent in Idaho. He completed a BBA in management and a BS in psychology at Idaho State University in the early and mid nineties. During his nonacademic time, he worked in the mining, construction, and demolition trades. His present focus is on an entrepreneuring venture.
I grew up on a remote ranch in the steep, rugged mountains of central Idaho. Amidst the spectacular scenery, much “character-building” labor was to be had. Naturally, while developing a work ethic I gained an appreciation for increases in productivity (i.e., getting more done with less effort). Though I found that repeating the same routine can be comfortable at times, it can also forestall new visions about life and work.
Our psychologies, as well as our present societal situation, need new visions too. Even though just accepting things as they are can be easy, looking beyond the everyday is important. By exploring new domains of innovation and intellectual and emotional evolution, we can create a better world for ourselves. And never has there been a more opportune time for us to create a better world: As a species, we finally have all the resources and ideas necessary.
Understanding what individual rights are and how and why individuals possess them is crucial for our well-being. We have moved into a new technological age. Myriad advances in computer systems, biotechnology, and various other fields will forever alter the landscape of human endeavors. The production and exchange of information will continue on its course to unprecedented levels of efficiency and complexity. To properly deal with the challenges and demands these changes pose for us as individuals and as a species, we need our political philosophy to move into an enlightened direction as quickly as possible.
Political issues that beg to be addressed in a logical fashion have enveloped our lives. Unfortunately, the method of logic has normally been overlooked by people—including “the experts”—when trying to make sense of politics and economics, as well as psychology. Hence we experience the existential effects, living in a world that still remains, in various ways, barbaric and depraved.
A strong philosophical antidote is needed to counteract these problems, one that keeps us grounded in reality and guided by reason. The basic structure of Objectivism, the philosophy originated by Ayn Rand, helps provide this. It is capable of revolutionizing our culture and contributing to the happiness and welfare of one’s life.
I encountered Objectivism over a decade ago. Since then, I have spent much time giving consideration to the best ways to apply the numerous aspects of a logical philosophy and psychology. In The Psychology of Liberty I present those aspects that I view are crucial to achieving both personal and political enlightenment. I leave it to you, the thoughtful reader, to judge the final product.
Contact the author at wes@logicallearning.net
