So, I was thinking-- I wonder if thinking will ever become illegal... Or widely discouraged... That's a dystopian thought. Disappointing it even came to mind. Anyway, I was thinking, is there any justification for anything the government-- (I live in the U.S., so just know, that's my frame of reference)-- anyway, is there any justification for the presence of government to be necessary?
I wouldn't consider myself an anarchocapitalist, but I would also acknowledge, as a tech worker, capitalism has treated me somewhat well (though, not this year, heh). I just wonder, will that always be the case throughout my life? And further, I feel empathy for those who aren't as well off. And I don't think that just because of some perception of a social obligation. By that I mean, I think it's unconscionable that not everyone gets to live as well as I do. And I think, the Malthusian thought that it can't be done for everyone currently living, and for those who will come after, I would humbly submit, maybe imagine a way that reason could be solved. And if that can become a business, then you can likely make it a reality for more than was the case before. Remember, quality of life is objectively better for many people around the planet, even if there might be looming challenges around the corner. The world is becoming very different than it once was. There are opportunities there to help affect change, as long as you stick to your principles, and you're smart about your approach.
The desire for socialism or populism to solve these problems are absolutely understandable, I absolutely get it, but to be truly egalitarian, any solution has to be sustainable, and can't just come from foreign liberators or arrogant saviors. The solutions must be owned by those who use them. Otherwise, those solutions are often sustainable but exploitative at best, or temporary and wasteful at worst. And they must be viable enough to be capable of being protected from others who might wish to deny their presence. These solutions don't have to be conjured out of thin air; as Kropotkin stated in the Bread Book, innovations are the result of all of humanity, including all those who came before, and as such, healthy collaboration is absolutely important, and a decent way to bootstrap infrastructure is purchase inexpensive solutions developed abroad. But eventually, local industry must be allowed to take root.
I also think the capability to do business with each other without needing large institutions of any kind will be critical, however. This will lower the barrier to entry to becoming a more self-sovereign individual. Turns out, kids, when you become an adult and you start making money to pay your bills and keep you out of trouble, your capability to avoid dealing with the government becomes substantially better. Yes, privilege. Check it. But also acknowledge it. If you play the long game, perhaps consider that knowledge will work better for furthering the cause. Corporations can often get away with murder (literally) for a very long time and usually get off with just a reasonable fine (for the corporation, at least) and the smart individuals rarely see the front page of the news. One reason is because corporations have the capability to fight back in many greater ways. And eventually, the goal would be to become a corporation of one, or few, doing business with others, with the protection that profit, connections, and legal representation affords you. Sustainability is key.
I think that's an incredible opportunity many aren't really thinking enough about, yet they are thinking of "distributed governance" such as what is often investigated by the Ethereum DWeeb community. Just make the software, if it's practical, people will use it. No need to shill your ICO or... cringe "let me tell you about my startup." Please keep your transparent paper trail blockchain out of my business.
Also, does the government already sufficiently interfere in such a thing so as to make this sort of thinking impractical, or flawed in some way? All this might come across as naive or idealistic, and perhaps, but I also think of it being more practical than being angry. It's problem solving. And the problem, as I see it, is the perceived necessity for government. If there were more examples of things that would work perfectly fine for obviating the necessity for government, then anarchism becomes a much easier thing to advocate. If your business idea doesn't seem legally viable, consider hiring a lawyer, or an attorney (if you ever think you might need representation in court). No need to get angry about it, just pay for someone with more expertise than you to help you solve the problem you imagine exists. But, hey, IANAL, but also, that approach has worked pretty well for me so far. Finding experts to help you (and compensating them for their time) is never a bad idea. BTW, if there are any laywers reading this, maybe consider reaching out. Any lawyer reading Steemit has got to be alright.
Regardless, if these problems of centralization and authoritarian dependence can then be done often enough, then, perhaps the government can become so unarguably unjustifiable, it becomes obvious. And when that is the case, I would imagine it becomes MUCH easier to fight, if even necessary at all. The goal is not a corporate nation-states or whatever people think AnCaps think. Honestly, I don't really know, I don't give them much of the time of day, most of them weird me out. Regardless, it's sustainable self-sovereignty that is most important. If establishing a corporation (which costs all of $50 USD where I'm from, and takes 5 minutes) is the means to that end, then so be it.
Remember, the revolution can't be fought if you're hungry.
Feel free to provide your thoughts, but it would be appreciated if long videos weren't provided to explain further. Just give me the summary of the relevant portion in your own words. Book recommendations are welcome, of course.
I'm posting this here first, but I'm thinking I'll cross-post to the Anarchist Reddit, since I'm curious what the difference in response will be between the two. This is your opportunity to impress, Steemit!