Introduction Summary and Analysis

A free man rejects the view that the government is the patron or master of the citizenry. The free man sees his country as the collection of individuals that composes it. He sees government only as an instrument, not a master; he sees only individuals freely pursuing their own ends, and a consensus on the fact that this should be permitted.

Those who love freedom must ask how we can stop government from destroying our freedom; the concentration of power is liberty's greatest enemy. Government should only preserve our freedom. Therefore, it must be limited. It can only protect citizens against external threats and criminals. It should enforce contracts as well. A free-market will check government power, as will the standard classical liberal rights of free speech, religion and thought.

Government power should also be decentralized. If power can be in...