Voluntaryism: The Philosophy of Non-Coercion and the Voluntary State
Voluntaryism is a political philosophy centered on the rejection of coercion and force in governance. At its core, it advocates for a "Voluntary State," where essential functions—including taxation—are funded through voluntary contributions rather than compulsory mandates. This framework is built upon the pillars of natural rights, equality, and the non-aggression principle (the belief that initiating physical force against others is inherently illegitimate).
To ensure social order without coercion, voluntaryism typically emphasizes a strict adherence to pacifism, the protection of civil rights, and the use of arbitration or mutually agreed-upon court systems to resolve disputes between individuals.
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Key Facts
- Core Objective: The establishment of a state funded entirely by voluntary means, eliminating forced taxation.
- Foundational Principles: Based on non-coercion, natural rights, and the belief in self-proprietorship.
- Origin: The term was coined in the 19th century by Auberon Herbert.
- Legal Approach: Favors arbitration and consensual legal systems over state-imposed force.
- Modern Context: Strongly associated with right-libertarianism and the rejection of electoral politics.
The Evolution of Voluntaryist Thought
17th Century Precursors: The Levellers
The roots of voluntaryist thought can be traced back to the mid-17th century English Leveller movement. Figures such as John Lilburne and Richard Overton challenged the coercive powers of the state-church, advocating for the separation of church and state. They viewed the church as a voluntary association of equals and argued that this same principle of consent should apply to the secular state.
In their "Large Petition" of 1647, the Levellers proposed the abolition of forced tithes, suggesting instead that ministers be paid only by those who voluntarily chose to contract with them. This early movement also championed the concept of self-proprietorship, the idea that individuals have absolute ownership over their own persons.
19th Century Developments
In the 1800s, voluntaryism manifested in various sectors, most notably in education and religion. Educational voluntaryists argued for "free trade in education," fearing that government-controlled schools would be used for indoctrination and would teach children to rely on the state for all needs. They maintained that liberty was the primary driver of excellence and that government monopolies on education violated fundamental principles of freedom.
In Southern Africa, the "Responsible Government" movement of the mid-19th century integrated voluntaryism into its push for multi-racial democracy and opposition to British imperial control. Led by figures like Saul Solomon and John Molteno, this movement successfully disestablished state-supported churches in 1875.
Voluntaryism in the United States
The mid-19th century United States saw influential figures embrace voluntaryist ideals. Henry David Thoreau famously practiced civil disobedience—the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws—by refusing to pay a poll tax and a ministerial tax. While Thoreau described himself as a gradualist rather than a minarchist (someone favoring a minimal state), he famously asserted that "government is best which governs not at all."
Similarly, Charles Lane advocated for a "Voluntary Political Government." Lane compared the coercive state to "forced" Christianity, arguing that the state's reliance on "club law" and violence was diabolical. He believed that all legitimate purposes of government could be achieved through voluntary principles and moral means.
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Modern Voluntaryism and the Libertarian Shift
The term saw a resurgence in 1982 with the publication of The Voluntaryist magazine by George H. Smith, Wendy McElroy, and Carl Watner. These modern voluntaryists shifted the focus toward right-libertarianism, arguing that participating in electoral politics and political parties actually strengthens the legitimacy of coercive governments.
Rather than seeking change through the ballot box, modern voluntaryists advocate for non-political strategies. Their goal is to delegitimize the state through education and the withdrawal of the tacit consent and cooperation upon which state power relies.
Summary of Voluntaryist Perspectives
| Era/Group | Primary Focus | Key Figures/Entities | Core Argument |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17th Century Levellers | Church & State | John Lilburne, Richard Overton | Consent in church should apply to the civil state. |
| 19th Century Educators | Education | Baines, Baptist Voluntary Education Society | State education leads to indoctrination and dependence. |
| 19th Century US | Civil Disobedience | Henry David Thoreau, Charles Lane | Government is best when it governs not at all. |
| Modern Era | Anti-Political Strategy | George H. Smith, Wendy McElroy | Electoral politics legitimize coercive government. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between voluntaryism and anarchy?
While often associated with anarcho-capitalism, the original voluntaryism of Auberon Herbert rejected anarchy. Herbert supported the existence of a state to enforce the law, provided that the state itself was funded voluntarily rather than through coercion.
How does a voluntary state handle taxation?
In a voluntary state, there is no compulsory taxation. Instead, the state is funded through voluntary contributions from citizens who choose to support its services.
What is the non-aggression principle in voluntaryism?
The non-aggression principle is the foundational belief that the initiation of physical force, or the threat of such force, against another person or their property is always illegitimate.
Why do modern voluntaryists reject voting?
Modern voluntaryists, such as those associated with The Voluntaryist magazine, believe that participating in elections grants legitimacy to the state's coercive power. They prefer to delegitimize the state through education and the withdrawal of cooperation.
Who coined the term "voluntaryism"?
The term was coined in the 19th century by Auberon Herbert to describe his philosophy of a non-coercive state.