> Disregarding misinformation and falsehoods, the feudal, Catholic, and Germanic kingships of the Middle Ages provided many of history’s longest-lasting libertarian and self-governing societies. The peasants had far greater liberty and self-government than modern democratic citizens. The entire political structure was built upon consent rather than coercion, with no professional regulatory state-imposed taxes or other regulations. The rulers could not interfere with the rights of the people or manipulate them in any way.

–Jeb Smith

*Missing Monarchy: Correcting Misconceptions About The Middle Ages, Medieval Kingship, Democracy, and Liberty* (2024)