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I’m all for the “Libertarians don’t understand that abdicated responsibility is usurped by tyrants”. The problem I have with that mindset (when used to justify fascistic strong men) is that strong men are in a position to prevent me from taking responsibility.

It’s great that Milei is charismatic and convinces people, but what ultimately matters is that he’s giving people the chance to be responsible, giving them the freedom to succeed.

And yes, as a Libertarian I believe freedom is asserted, not received. What we need is not a society of sheep lead by a lion, but a society made up of lions, which is explicitly what Milei has told Argentinians. So strong individuals yes, just no unconditional submission to one, regardless of charisma.

Alexander and Napoleon, admirable as they were on some things, were terrible tyrants and murderers, by the way. There is no wisdom in choosing your tyrant, but in rejecting tyranny.

Alekandar Svetski 2y ago

I’ve got some writings on the virtues of War and Alexander coming up.

Will poast when released.

Also have a whole array of historical anecdotes throughout the Bushido book coming out next year..

BUT….in the meantime.. this video by Asha Logos is one of the FEW out there which does that man, his character and his legacy justice:

https://youtu.be/LbTPzWU2X7U?si=s1OeWk6Pvfgkj3nv

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Alekandar Svetski 2y ago

Actually - I did find this little tweet from earlier in the year which is worth a quick read:

https://memod.com/SvetskiWrites/alexander-the-greatest-6540

LpLiberto 2y ago

Thanks for your reply and for linking to further material. Here to learn.

My intuition is that there is greater virtue to be found in the anonymous responsible man than in any historical figure since the filter to make it into historical literature (heroic prowess, so to speak) is often murderous imposition of one’s will on others. History, as it is too often recounted, is the History of States, and of those who have been most and least capable of wielding its power. And I am a Historian myself.

In any case I think we can reconcile admiration for bold, strong, heroic individuals with warranted skepticism and criticism of abuses of power.

Alekandar Svetski 2y ago

Plato:

“The measure of a man is what he does with power”

Therefore by my estimation, it’s not power that is the problem, but like u said at the end, those who abuse it.

“Power corrupts the weak”

I’ll die on this hill.

Also..

Yes - anonymous uses of one’s power for productive, noble causes is of course a beautiful thing.

But both are necessary. And no matter how anon, there will always be a story and myth that develops around great deeds and the great figures who do those deeds.

It’s the ONLY reason why bitcoin is here today. It was a great deed done by a great man/group and we continue to celebrate it.

The story matters more than the thing itself. We are deeply wired to interpret all of reality through a story.

Greatness is simply the highest of stories. And great men inspire the best stories.

Thanks again for the comments.

Enjoying the discussion

I need to come on nostr more often