4 Comments

Michael Munger has defined your "constrained/ unconstrained" axis as "directionalist/ destinationalist", which I think rings a little bit more clearly, but no matter. That the distinction seems to be noticeable is important and I agree with you that it's an important vector to observe.

What happens though, when one finds themselves identifying with, and defending, the Tribe of Freethinkers? Ourobourous?

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I like that Munger description - I was having lunch with a friend and explaining my general "people who care about freedom need to care about the direction of this massive ship of state, not where they hope it will end up in 100 years if everything is perfect" outlook and he said "did you read Michael Munger recently?" 😂 I need to check out his stuff.

I like the constrained/unconstrained frame because I think it more clearly implies that the unconstrained mind has no limits on the improvements people can make with the power of government (or with the lack of government interference).

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He was on EconTalk last week talking about exactly this, you should give it a listen.

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I feel like the obvious downside of being too much of a freethinker is that democratic governing requires at least a degree of majority-building. If you want to get anything done, you have to join a tribe eventually.

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