A "Good Neighbor Policy" for Libertarians

One of the best ways to win others to libertarian ideas is simply to be a nice person - a nice person who also happens to be a libertarian.

This is one of the things that the late, great Karl Hess -- one of the most influential libertarians of the past century -- often talked about: the importance of being a "good neighbor." In his West Virginia rural community, Hess pitched in and helped his neighbors build barns and do other chores. As a result, they liked this friendly, helpful neighbor -- and they respected his out-of-mainstream libertarian ideas.

Libertarian philosopher Tibor Machan puts another spin on the same notion: "People tend to be more interested in what you have to say if they already know what kind of wine you like."

It's common knowledge that people will be more likely to try a new product, or a new idea, if someone they know and respect suggests it. That's as true of political ideas as it is of restaurants or jogging shoes.

So one of the best ways to help people become open to our ideas is to first let them get to know you as friendly, nice, interesting, interested, and helpful. Then, when they find out you are also a libertarian, they'll be interested in learning more. The ideas will be "vetted" because they already respect you.

Yes, it's simple, it seems obvious -- but how many of us practice this as often as we might? Be a good friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker -- and your ideas will carry far more weight.