Scott Alexander explores how love embodies libertarian principles and resists regulation, proposing it as a model for libertarian thinking.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander proposes Valentine's Day as a holiday for libertarians, arguing that the way people think about love is the last relic of libertarian thinking. He explores how love operates on principles similar to libertarian ideals, such as non-aggression and resistance to regulation, despite its inherent unfairness and dangers. The post reflects on why people resist regulating love even when it might seem beneficial, and compares this resistance to how people used to think about other aspects of life. Scott also ponders whether love's relative freedom from regulation actually makes it work better, concluding that while love can be disastrous, it retains a unique charm and cultural significance.
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