Living Freely in an Unfree World

Kenelm Tonkin
An entrepreneur who has employed 1,470+ people, Kenelm was admitted to the BRW Fast 100 three times with businesses in Australia, NZ, Singapore and New York. He was a regular columnist for the Australian Financial Review. Kenelm is the founder of Liberty Itch.

Libertarians often face a dilemma: the desire to advance freedom through political involvement versus the reality that libertarian ideas rarely shape government. While participation in elections and campaigns can bring momentary hope, the political pendulum inevitably swings, and within a few years, libertarians find themselves back where they started, under administrations pushing for more centralised control. 

This cycle begs the question: should libertarians invest so much emotionally and practically in the political process?

Harry Browne, a prominent libertarian thinker, explored this question in his book How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World. Browne argued that living freely despite restrictive laws and norms requires a shift from external efforts – such as political engagement – to internal actions that maximise personal freedom and autonomy. 

Instead of, or perhaps as well as, battling the political system, consider cultivating personal resilience and independence

Browne’s philosophy remains as relevant as ever for today’s libertarians: by focusing on enhancing self-reliance, personal safety, and independence in daily life, we can embody liberty even without legislative victories.

His work also explores philosophical and practical ways to secure freedom outside traditional political and social channels. He emphasises that freedom starts with self-awareness, recognising that one’s actions, beliefs, and lifestyle can either liberate or restrict. He discusses the pitfalls of conventional life scripts that people blindly follow, and how real freedom lies in shedding these scripts to create a life based on one’s values and goals.

Instead of, or perhaps as well as, battling the political system, consider cultivating personal resilience and independence through the following practical steps. These areas can help insulate you from a society where the state’s reach continues to expand.

Self-Reliance for Physical Needs

1. Capture Your Own Drinking Water: Secure a reliable source of water with rainwater tanks or wells to reduce dependence on government water systems.
2. Form a Local Network: Surround yourself with like-minded neighbours for mutual support and barter.
3. Invest in Freezer Storage: A deep freezer allows you to store food in bulk and withstand potential shortages.
4. Grow Your Own Produce: Cultivate your own fruit and vegetables, preserve them, and develop a barter system with neighbours who do the same.
5. Purchase Meat in Bulk: Build a relationship with a grazier and buy half a butchered animal for a sustainable, long-term meat supply. Arrange for a neighbour to buy the other half.
6. Adopt a Whole-Foods Diet: Avoid ultra-processed foods to reduce the risk of adverse health and reliance on universal healthcare systems.
7. Exercise Regularly: Staying fit helps you stay resilient against both physical and mental stress (and avoid universal healthcare systems).
8. Establish a Pre-Sleep Routine: Healthy sleep improves mental clarity and resilience.
9. Find Compatible Healthcare Providers: Cultivate relationships with doctors and other healthcare providers who share your desire for personal autonomy.
10. Learn First Aid and Stock Supplies: Ensure you have basic medical skills and a well-stocked first-aid kit for emergencies.
11. Prepare Clothing for the Long-Term: Stock up on durable clothing to reduce dependency on retailers.
12. Learn Clothing Repair and Creation: A basic knowledge of sewing and knitting can be invaluable for clothing upkeep.
13. Acquire Land and Build a Home: Land ownership gives you control and a safe space to exercise your autonomy.
14. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Essentials like tarpaulins, flashlights, and basic tools can protect you in uncertain situations.
15. Stockpile Pharmaceuticals: Maintaining a backup of medications or essential supplies ensures you’re not caught short in emergencies.

Self-Reliance for Safety Needs

16. Install a Security System: A comprehensive security system protects against burglary and provides peace of mind.
17. Secure Your Home: Regularly inspect locks and access points.
18. Learn Self-Defence: Knowing how to defend yourself gives you confidence and protection in risky situations.
19. Develop Basic Firearms Skills: Shooting and firearms knowledge can serve as a last-resort means of defence.
20. Make a Bow and Arrow: Primitive weapons can be useful in scenarios where other tools are unavailable.

Should libertarians invest so much emotionally and practically in the political process?

Independent Freedom of Movement

21. Invest in an alternative fuel vehicle: Australia’s oil supply is precarious. Consider how you would get around if it was not available. 
22. Add Solar Panels: Solar energy allows you to reduce dependence on the government regulated grid.
23. Get a Second Passport: A second passport offers enhanced global mobility.
24. Obtain a Pilot’s License: Being able to pilot a plane allows for greater travel independence.
25. Consider Private Air Travel: Chartering a jet reduces reliance on government supervised commercial air travel.
26. Own a Seaworthy Yacht: A well-maintained yacht gives you the freedom to travel by sea.
27. Learn Sailing Skills: With ocean sailing skills, you have a path to freedom and independence.
28. Practice Celestial Navigation: Celestial navigation ensures you can chart your course without relying on GPS.

Achieving Financial Independence

29. Leave Public Sector Work: Free yourself from government employment and its requirements.
30. Avoid Large Corporations: Working independently reduces control by others over your finances.
31. Start a Business: By becoming an entrepreneur, you gain financial autonomy.
32. Develop a Savings Strategy: Building savings creates a buffer against life’s uncertainties.
33. Diversify Investments: Broaden your investment portfolio to reduce risk.
34. Open Foreign Bank Accounts: These accounts can protect you from domestic currency and policy instability.

Freedom from Surveillance

36. Control Your Digital Footprint: Minimise online mentions and profile information for privacy.
37. Use Cash for Purchases: This reduces your digital paper trail.
38. Use a VPN: Virtual private networks help safeguard your internet history.
39. Ditch Your Smartphone: A simpler flip-phone offers fewer surveillance risks.
40. Limit Government Interaction: Minimise dependency on government support, as it can often mean added scrutiny.

By developing skills and strategies to live freely and independently, libertarians can pursue personal autonomy and minimise their susceptibility to control by others, particularly the government.

What actions have I missed? How many of these are you already doing?

This article was originally published by Liberty Itch.