The Constitution of Liberty

Abstract: Liberty is a complex idea that means being free from being forced to do things you don’t want to do. It includes political freedom, individual choices, and inner intentions. Freedom allows creativity and helps society progress by encouraging new ideas and competition. People also have to take responsibility for their actions in a free society. Real equality means everyone is treated fairly under the law, while still recognizing differences among people. Balancing government power and individual rights is essential for a fair society, supporting both progress and personal freedoms.

Book Summary

Chapter Summaries:

PART I THE VALUE OF FREEDOM

ONE: LIBERTY AND LIBERTIES

TWO: THE CREATIVE POWERS OF A FREE CIVILIZATION

THREE: THE COMMON SENSE OF PROGRESS

FOUR: FREEDOM, REASON, AND TRADITION

FIVE: RESPONSIBILITY AND FREEDOM

SIX: EQUALITY, VALUE, AND MERIT

SEVEN: MAJORITY RULE

EIGHT: EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENCE

Part II FREEDOM AND THE LAW

NINE: COERCION AND THE STATE

TEN: LAW, COMMANDS, AND ORDER

ELEVEN: THE ORIGINS OF THE RULE OF LAW

TWELVE: THE AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION: CONSTITUTIONALISM

THIRTEEN: LIBERALISM AND ADMINISTRATION: THE RECHTSSTAAT

FOURTEEN: THE SAFEGUARDS OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

FIFTEEN: ECONOMIC POLICY AND THE RULE OF LAW

SIXTEEN: THE DECLINE OF THE LAW

PART III FREEDOM IN THE WELFARE STATE

SEVENTEEN: THE DECLINE OF SOCIALISM AND THE RISE OF THE WELFARE STATE

EIGHTEEN: LABOR UNIONS AND EMPLOYMENT

NINETEEN: SOCIAL SECURITY

TWENTY: TAXATION AND REDISTRIBUTION

TWENTY-ONE: THE MONETARY FRAMEWORK

TWENTY-TWO: HOUSING AND TOWN PLANNING

TWENTY-THREE: AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

TWENTY-FOUR: EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

POSTSCRIPT

WHY I AM NOT A CONSERVATIVE