William F. Buckley famously authored God and Man at Yale in 1951. In it, he decried his alma mater’s overt efforts to undermine what he called good, American values such as faith, capitalism, and individualism. Today, I assert that institutions of higher schooling everywhere undermine — or fail to instill — other crucial values; values that underpin the very idea of higher education. In particular: appreciation for freedom of speech, academic freedom, open debate, and fearless, intellectual rigor.  For more on freedom of speech, see Prof. Peter Jaworski’s Learn Liberty Video, The Philosop ..read more

For entrepreneurs and high achievers, the ideas of Ayn Rand, a 20th-century Russian-American novelist and philosophical pioneer, hold a distinct allure. Ayn Rand’s philosophy, known as Objectivism, is a system of thought that champions individualism, reason, and rational self-interest. Central to Objectivism is the belief in the inherent value of the individual and their right to pursue their own happiness. Rand’s works, including famous novels such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, as well as her non-fiction books, delve into themes of morality, capitalism, and the role of government in ..read more

The ongoing debate surrounding the war on drugs begs critical questions: Should the battle persist, or is it time for a strategic shift? Is drug legalization the solution? Legalization entails dismantling the barriers to consumption, sale, distribution, and production — something akin to how alcoholic beverages are treated. In this article, we’ll dissect the failures of the war on drugs, seeking to uncover the factors that have led to its ultimate downfall. In recent years, we have witnessed a wave of legalization of both the recreational and medicinal use of various drugs. Marijuana leads the ..read more

Few 20th century authors have enjoyed as profound and lasting an influence as Ayn Rand (1905-1982). A novelist, playwright, and pioneering philosopher, Rand effectively communicated her ideas through her novels before elaborating further in her nonfiction.  Her fourth and final novel, Atlas Shrugged, has sold more than 10 million copies since its publication in 1957. Rand’s work presented a unique perspective, defined by heroic characters and compelling stories. Indeed, Rand’s approach to her craft is itself deeply rooted in her philosophy of Objectivism. Ayn Rand has inspired countless r ..read more

Imagine a world so devoted to collectivism that even terms such as “I” have been abolished and personal names have been replaced with numbers — a world utterly devoid of individual expression or ambition. This world is the setting for Ayn Rand’s 1938 novella, Anthem, which stands as a powerful testament to the enduring importance of individualism and personal freedom. For readers unfamiliar with Rand’s work, this novel serves as a perfect gateway into her works of fiction and indeed her unique philosophy of Objectivism, exploring the theme of individualism against collectivism.  Note: as ..read more

Today, more than ever, journalism is confronted with significant challenges, especially with media outlets striving to captivate audiences and deliver returns to shareholders.  But what happens when sensationalism and biased narratives become the norm? Where can individuals turn for accurate information when journalists prioritize agendas over facts? And how do we find common ground in an era of intense political division and factionalism? Among the many enlightening discussions at Students For Liberty’s recent LibertyCon International 2024, one panel stood out for its exploration of trut ..read more

On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin commenced a brutal, full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.  Two years on from this calamity, let’s examine and debunk some of the bogus justifications put forth by the fascist regime in Moscow and Putin’s alternative “history” that he uses in his attempts to delegitimize the Ukrainian nation. The two main reasons for the war are plain to see: An authoritarian dictator, facing numerous domestic issues, sought to unify the Russian public against the imaginary threat of a belligerent, Western-backed, “Nazi” regime on their doorstep. The same dictato ..read more

Deirdre McCloskey, renowned economist and advocate for liberal values, delivered a stirring address at LibertyCon International, captivating attendees with her insights into the importance of liberty in fostering human flourishing and societal progress. McCloskey’s talk centered on the transformative power of liberal ideas, drawing from her extensive scholarship in economics and social theory. She eloquently articulated how principles such as individual freedom, free markets, and open inquiry have propelled humanity forward, unleashing innovation, creativity, and prosperity on an unprecedented ..read more

Students For Liberty’s recent LibertyCon International, a gathering of liberty-minded individuals from around the globe, was recently graced by a powerful and thought-provoking talk by David Boaz, an author and prominent figure in the liberty movement.  Boaz, known for his insightful commentary on political and economic issues, took the stage to deliver a message that resonated deeply with attendees. He urged the liberty movement to “fight illiberalism and authoritarianism wherever you find it.” Boaz began by reflecting on the historical trajectory of human civilization, emphasizing the p ..read more

Today, the world mourns the loss of Alexei Navalny, a fearless advocate for liberty and democracy in Russia, who died in a Siberian penal colony on February 16, 2024, aged 47. Alexei Navalny’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting political reform made him a towering figure in Russian opposition politics and a symbol of hope for millions. Navalny’s journey as an activist and political leader was marked by tremendous courage and resilience in the face of significant challenges. Despite facing constant threats and harassment from the Putin regime — even a near-fatal poisonin ..read more