The core principle of libertarianism that coercion against others' bodies and property is unjust.
The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is a core principle of libertarian ethics.
It is unjust to initiate the use of force against another person's body or justly acquired property.
The word "initiate" is key. Using force in self-defense is justified. What is unjust is the initiation of aggression.
Most people already follow this principle in their daily lives:
The Non-Aggression Principle applies this common-sense moral rule equally to everyone - including government officials.
Libertarians ask a simple question: If an action is a crime when an individual does it, why does it become legitimate when the government does it?
| When an individual does it | When the government does it |
|---|---|
| Robbery | Taxation |
| Kidnapping | Conscription |
| Counterfeiting | Currency issuance (quantitative easing) |
| Forced monopoly | Regulation and licensing |
The Non-Aggression Principle questions this double standard.
Bitcoin realizes the Non-Aggression Principle technologically: