In a world where governments and economic systems impose their will through regulations, taxes, and control of commerce, a political philosophy called angorism emerges as a radical alternative.
Agorism is the revolutionary philosophy of counter-economics, a strategy for creating free markets by rejecting the state and its coercive systems. It advocates for voluntary exchanges and non-compliance with statist institutions, envisioning a society based entirely on free enterprise, mutual aid, and the refusal to participate in state-sanctioned economies.
Over the years, I’ve found myself drawn to agorism, not just in theory but in practice. I’ve lived many different lives in different cities, navigating both the regulated and unregulated systems that define modern society.
From these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand the merits of living a free, laissez-faire life—one where your choices, your work, and your creativity aren’t stifled by the weight of bureaucracy or the demands of a government seeking to control your output.
The essence of agorism, as I have experienced it, is about freedom: the freedom to pursue your own path without unnecessary interference, to engage in voluntary exchange with others who share your values, and to live in alignment with your personal ethics rather than conforming to external systems of control.
The Radical Essence of Agorism
At its core, agorism is about freedom. It’s the rejection of coercive institutions and a commitment to voluntary association. Unlike traditional forms of democracy, where people vote for leaders to make decisions on their behalf, agorism suggests a decentralized form of governance, where individuals self-organize in accordance with market principles. It sees the state as inherently corrupt and coercive, regardless of whether it’s a democracy, monarchy, or autocracy.
Having lived in both large cities where state control was ever-present and smaller towns where self-sufficiency was prized, I’ve witnessed the vast difference between living within the confines of bureaucratic red tape and living freely in unregulated, organic communities.
I remember the exhilaration of participating in underground economies—barter systems and off-the-books trade, where relationships were built on trust and mutual benefit rather than dictated by law or tax codes. There was something profoundly human and liberating about these exchanges, where the state had no say in what we did or how we organized our lives.
Agorists advocate for individuals to "opt out" of the system—living their lives as freely as possible with little governmental interference. This might include working off the books, trading in cryptocurrency, or engaging in barter systems that avoid taxation. Agorists argue that these activities erode the state's power, decentralize economic control, and lead to a more just and free society.
The Laissez-Faire Life: A Personal Journey
For me, the merits of living a free, laissez-faire life have always been apparent in the ability to make choices unfettered by unnecessary rules. I’ve always been someone who values independence, and the more I’ve distanced myself from state control, the more empowered I’ve felt.
When I reflect on my past experiences, particularly during times when I engaged in counter-economic activities, I realized how much more connected I felt to my work, my values, and my community. There was no middleman, no regulation dictating how I should operate. It was just me, the people I chose to engage with, and the market we created for ourselves.
Living this way allowed me to build relationships that were based on mutual respect rather than obligation. I remember the satisfaction of bartering goods and services, finding people who valued what I had to offer, and knowing that we were engaging in something real, something that bypassed the artificial structures of the state. There was an authenticity in those moments that I rarely found in more formalized systems of exchange.
Of course, living outside the state has its challenges. There’s always the looming threat of legal consequences for engaging in certain types of counter-economic activity, and it requires a level of vigilance and resourcefulness to navigate these waters.
But for me, the rewards of living freely outweigh the risks. There’s a unique sense of empowerment in knowing that you’re not beholden to a system that doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Confucius: The Harmony of the Agora
Confucius, with his philosophy rooted in personal ethics and the cultivation of virtue, might initially seem out of place in a discussion of agorism. After all, Confucian thought traditionally emphasizes harmony, hierarchy, and a well-ordered society.
However, if Confucius were to examine the underlying principles of agorism, he might find common ground in the pursuit of a society where individuals act virtuously, without the need for coercive authority.
Confucius believed that the key to a harmonious society was the cultivation of “ren,” or humaneness, through relationships based on mutual respect and responsibility. In an agorist society, where individuals voluntarily engage in trade and cooperation, Confucius might see the potential for a new kind of harmony.
Rather than relying on the state to enforce order, individuals in the Agora would naturally develop mutual respect and trust through free exchange. In this way, agorism could create a harmonious society based on virtue and mutual cooperation rather than top-down enforcement.
Epictetus: The Stoic Case for Agorism
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, would likely appreciate the personal freedom that agorism promises. Stoicism emphasizes individual autonomy and the importance of inner freedom, regardless of external circumstances. In many ways, agorism aligns with these principles by advocating for individuals to take control of their own lives and disengage from coercive institutions.
For Epictetus, true freedom comes from within—it is the ability to control one’s own reactions, to live in accordance with reason, and to accept the things one cannot change.
Agorism, by its nature, encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives, to create alternative systems of exchange, and to minimize their dependence on the state.
Epictetus might see this as a path to true self-mastery, where individuals are not controlled by external forces but are free to live according to their own values.
Seneca: Agorism as a Radical Alternative to Democracy
Seneca, the Stoic philosopher and statesman, would provide a more pragmatic perspective on agorism. As someone who lived through the corruption and excess of the Roman Empire, Seneca might see the appeal of agorism as a way to bypass the corrupting influence of state power.
He famously wrote about the dangers of wealth and power, arguing that they often lead to moral corruption. In this sense, Seneca would appreciate agorism’s rejection of state-controlled systems that concentrate wealth and power in the hands of the few.
At the same time, Seneca might also recognize that democracy itself often fails to live up to its ideals. In his writings, he frequently criticized the moral failings of those in power, noting that democratic systems are just as prone to corruption as monarchies or empires.
In this light, agorism might represent a fresh opportunity to create a more just society, one based on voluntary association rather than coercive state structures. But for Seneca, the success of such a system would depend on the moral character of its participants.
The Freedom of Choosing Your Own Path
For me, the allure of agorism lies in the ability to choose my own path. Whether through my creative work or my engagement in off-the-books trade, I have always found greater satisfaction in pursuing activities that align with my personal ethics and values, free from the heavy hand of the state. Agorism allows for that freedom, that sense of being truly in control of your own life.
In today’s world, where many people feel disillusioned with democracy and the increasing concentration of power in the hands of the state, agorism offers a bold, libertarian vision of a society built on voluntary cooperation and free markets.
While it may not be a perfect system, it represents a radical departure from the coercive structures that have long dominated human societies, offering a path to greater individual autonomy and freedom.
Agorism is not just a political philosophy—it is a way of life. It is a declaration of independence from the systems that seek to control us and a commitment to living authentically, in alignment with our own values and principles. And in that commitment, there is great power.
Unleash the Syrup: Become a Member of The Chocolate Taoist™ Tribe
Since 2022, The Chocolate Taoist has delivered uncommon nomadic wisdom to help you live a more interconnected and expansive life.
If this publication has been a source of wisdom for you then please consider helping me sustain it by becoming a monthly or annual contributor.
For just $6.00/month or $60.00/year, you’ll have the opportunity to share your lived experiences with fellow nomads, fueling fiery discussions that provoke, inspire, and challenge you to think differently.
So I hope you will take the plunge today and contribute to my mission of helping human travelers on this life journey.
Onward and Forward
Diamond Michael Scott aka The Chocolate Taoist
Hi
Thanks for the provocations to consider a new view.
I wonder if Agorism has a space for trading with a government? For instance, the government allows me to drive on a highway it has built, in exchange for my agreement not - to drive above a government-determined speed. The key is "in exchange for."
We could then apply that example to any government benefits we want and enjoy. We agree not to drink and drive for the safety of others. We give something to get something. It just happens to be the government with whom we are trading.
Are Agorists willing to make those trades or exceptions to the idea of always getting their self-determined freedom/s?
I like the ideal of trusting each other to do the right thing. Unfortunately, we know that for many reasons people cannot maintain that ideal without the possible consequences of law. (And even with legal consequences our jails are filled.)
The cycle begins in whatever setting or organization that includes us. We, the people. We dunnit. What would Buddha say? Are we creating our own suffering? Jesus said, render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
We could pay the tax, shrug it off, breathe a bit, and then set the cruise control on 55. 🚙
Thanks for hearing me.
Old Guy
Thank you!
In addition, I describe agorism, in part, as creating more options. In other words, the entrepreneurial frame of mind.
Premise #1: Humans are endlessly inventive. We need to get out of their way, meaning look for what is keeping individuals from successful innovation. I want a billboard that reads "Decriminalize small business."
Premise #2: Science is a constant process: Conjecture and refutation (see the works of Sir Karl Popper.) Or to quote my old friend Greg McAllister: Heresy today, dogma tomorrow. Meaning, stay humble and open-minded.
Premise #3: Support multiple solutions and choices that are always evolving, which I believe is the better way to heal the world. For example: small, local, focused, accountable, and responsive businesses and nonprofits.
My favorite book on the subject: Capitalism for Kids by Karl Hess. Full disclosure: I was interviewed by Karl for the book, and my story appears.