The right of every Texan to live free from unnecessary government interference in their personal and economic life.
Why It Matters
Individual liberty is the foundation of a free society, where each person has the right to live their life free from undue interference by the government. This principle ensures that individuals are free to make their own choices, whether personal, economic, or social, without coercion, as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others.
At Texas Policy Research, we defend policies that safeguard personal freedoms and protect citizens from excessive government intrusion.
“The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way.”
On Liberty
In Practice
Individual liberty is not just about personal freedom; it’s about the recognition of inherent human rights. This principle upholds the belief that every Texan should have the autonomy to pursue their own path, provided they do not harm others.
Laws that excessively regulate personal choices, whether regarding speech, association, or lifestyle, undermine this liberty. By ensuring that legislation respects these freedoms, we aim to protect the right to self-determination, which is the bedrock of a thriving, diverse society.
Voices & Foundations
The concept of individual liberty has been championed by thinkers across the American and Western tradition. It is rooted in the belief that personal freedom is an inalienable right.
“The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.” Jefferson’s writings helped establish liberty as an inalienable right central to the American founding.
In On Liberty, Mill argued that “the only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way,” a cornerstone of modern liberal thought.
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