"It's all for nothing if you don't have freedom."
--William Wallace (Braveheart)
Libertarianism (a.k.a. classical liberalism) is a philosophy grounded in natural rights, including the rights to one's life, wherewithal to produce, and possessions. As Jeffersom wrote, these rights are self-evident and inalienable. Depending on your view, these rights were either endowed by our Creator or are simply a function of our humanity.
The crux of libertarianism is that people are free to pursue their interests as long as they do not forcefully intrude on the pursuits of others. The role of government is to help individuals protect themselves against such forceful intrusion.
Libertarianism espouses peace, personal choice, and voluntary cooperation (a.k.a. trade).
It appears to be the only social and political philosophy to do so. All other frameworks legitimize violent intrusion to some degree. Government is typically the mechanism of such force. Principals seeking to satisfy their interests employ gpvernment as their strong armed agent to force their will on others.
Because people are attracted to schemes that promise something for nothing, it should not be surprising that libertarianism has been marginalized relative to philosophies that legitimize plunder.
Make no mistake, though. Not only are these legitimations morally bankrupt, but they are certain to produce economic disaster over time.
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In social cooperation everyone in serving his own interests serves the interests of his fellow men. Driven by the urge to improve his own conditions, he improves the conditions of other people. The baker does not hurt those for whom he bakes bread; he serves them.
~Ludwig von Mises
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