Foundation for an Orderly Coexistence—Natural Law

How a Libertarian Principle Forms the Bedrock of Living Together Peacefully

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Founding Fathers had a clear comprehension of natural law—a principle, as timeless as human thought, which is a cornerstone of libertarian beliefs and a compass for our daily decisions. It invites us to explore the boundaries of human freedom and personal responsibility.

The Universal Code

Natural law refers to a set of moral and ethical standards that are inherent in human nature and universally applicable. These laws, self-evident, immutable, and transcending man-made laws, are based on the belief that humans, by virtue of their rational nature, can discern right from wrong. While societal norms as well as judicial laws (positive law) vary over time, for different peoples, and in different cultures, there are certain principles that remain constant. They challenge us to strive for justice and fairness, regardless of the circumstances.

While humans can exchange products and services, they cannot give their inherent rights, described by natural law, away. Neither can these rights be taken away directly by brute force nor indirectly by statute and regulations. They are innate and inalienable. Although seldomly stated explicitly, natural law underpins many of our daily interactions—at least, those with mentally-healthy fellows.

An Often-Considered Concept

The roots of natural law stretch back to ancient philosophy with Greek thinkers like Aristotle proposing the existence of a higher law, distinct from judicial law, that governs moral conduct. In the subsequent centuries, the Stoics believed in a natural order of the universe and that individuals should orient their lives according to this natural law. Natural law is found in the Old Testament, when Noah is instructed by God to recoup the killing of an innocent man, indicating that you cannot randomly kill innocent people, as well as in the New Testament, when Paul discusses people’s innate sense of morality in Romans. Catholic Philosopher Thomas Aquinas taught in the 13th century that you should judge human laws by their level of conformity to natural law.

During the Enlightenment, Thomas Hobbes defined the natural law, lex naturalis, as “a precept or general rule found out by reason, by which a man is forbidden to do that which is destructive of his life.” John Locke explored how natural rights such as life, liberty, and property are the state of nature. In  more recent libertarian considerations, Murray Rothbard characterized natural law as "a profoundly ‘radical’ ethic, for it holds the existing status quo, which might grossly violate natural law, up to the unsparing and unyielding light of reason.” While the exact deliberations have varied over time, the core stayed the same: There is a natural order in human cohabitation and if it is encroached upon, chaos ensues.

Fundamentals of Living Together Peacefully

This article’s very first sentence exhibits how the American constitution is built on the principles of natural law. Despite governments all around the world massively disrespecting them, many countries’ constitutions have principles of  natural law ingrained. At least initially, the idea of many reformers around the world was that judicial laws can only be built on these principles. For instance, the very idea of individuals' rights is based upon humans having inherent rights that must not be infringed upon. Equally, equality before the law, freedom of thought and expression, as well as the right to private property can only be understood with a comprehension of natural law.

Many libertarian arguments, explicitly and implicitly, rest on natural law to justify individual rights and liberties. We argue that since these rights are derived from nature, they are inviolable and cannot be infringed upon by any government or authority, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and non-aggression as well as challenging the notion of state intervention and advocating instead for voluntary cooperation and mutual respect. We underscore personal responsibility, arguing that freedom comes with an obligation to respect the rights of others. Lysander Spooner summarizes the libertarian comprehension: “A man’s natural rights are his own, against the whole world; and any infringement of them is equally a crime, whether committed by one man, or by millions; whether committed by one man, calling himself a robber,… or by millions, calling themselves government.” The more a society drifts toward leftists ideas of entitlement to others’ properties and labour, the more it departs from natural law.

The Way to a Better Life

Implementing natural law in daily life means, most of all, respecting the inherent rights and freedoms of others. If you are what most would call a “decent human being,” you act from an understanding of its principles by default. However, we can all stress natural law principles more: We practice non-aggression and self-ownership, respect others' liberties as well as their property rights, and honor voluntary agreements. This approach encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on others and reminds us that our freedom must not infringe upon the freedom of others.

This promotes a culture of respect and tolerance, fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. Personally, we grow into even more honorable human beings, contribute to living together more justly, and gain peace of mind. Furthermore, we profit from an enhanced reputation, enjoy improved relationships, and meet new people with equal esteem for the natural order. If one does not respect natural law and acts disingenuous and insidious, one enters onto a path of stacking lies onto each other. Sooner or later, the house of cards will crumble and this behavior will lead to compunctions and misery.

All-Encompassing Relevance

Libertarian principles based on natural law form the bedrock of a peaceful way of living together. These principles, though ancient, hold profound relevance in our contemporary world, guiding us towards a society marked by freedom, respect, and peaceful coexistence. Respecting them in daily life is a practical guide to living freely and ethically. How are you combating violations of natural law in your life?

Think for yourself and question everything, my fellow liberty people!