by Harry Browne

Introduction by infamous Australian Neville Kennard
Probably not many Australians know of Harry Browne. He was a writer, speaker, investment advisor and Presidential Candidate for the Libertarian Party in the US in 1996. Harry Browne was my first libertarian mentor. He introduced me to libertarian ideas and Austrian economics in 1970 with his prescient book How to Profit from the Coming Devaluation. This had led to a lifetime fascination and curiosity about the human potential when man is free, and about the unintended consequences of government intervention. Harry wrote several books; perhaps the most enduring, now out of print, is the classic How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World — if you can find a second-hand copy, snap it up. It’s a treasure for libertarians on how to live your life in relative freedom despite all the forces marshalled against you. This New Year’s Message came from Harry some years ago, with some minor edits for Australian readers.

The Resolution

1

I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2

I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

3

I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4

I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5

I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

6

No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7

I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an Australian. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of Australia’s defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8

I resolve to focus on the ways Australia could be so much better with smaller and no government — not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9

I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10

I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first libertarian someone has encountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11

I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why can’t I help him grow?

12

I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13

I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Liberal and Labor Parties. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Australians. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14

I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.