Non-Aggression Principle
The core principle of libertarianism that coercion against others' bodies and property is unjust.
What is the Non-Aggression Principle?
The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is a core principle of libertarian ethics.
It is unjust to initiate the use of force against another person’s body or justly acquired property.
The word “initiate” is key. Using force in self-defense is justified. What is unjust is the initiation of aggression.
The Non-Aggression Principle in Everyday Life
Most people already follow this principle in their daily lives:
- We don’t steal other people’s belongings
- We don’t hit others
- We don’t trespass on other people’s homes
- We don’t commit fraud
The Non-Aggression Principle applies this common-sense moral rule equally to everyone — including government officials.
What Consistent Application Means
Libertarians ask a simple question: If an action is a crime when an individual does it, why does it become legitimate when the government does it?
| When an individual does it | When the government does it |
|---|---|
| Robbery | Taxation |
| Kidnapping | Conscription |
| Counterfeiting | Currency issuance (quantitative easing) |
| Forced monopoly | Regulation and licensing |
The Non-Aggression Principle questions this double standard.
Bitcoin and the Non-Aggression Principle
Bitcoin realizes the Non-Aggression Principle technologically:
- Forced seizure is impossible — Without the private key, bitcoins cannot be taken away
- Forced inflation is impossible — No one can change the 21 million coin limit
- No permission required — Anyone can freely transact without anyone’s approval
Related Concepts
- What is Libertarianism? — The broader philosophical context of the Non-Aggression Principle
- Sound Money — Is inflation a violation of the Non-Aggression Principle?
- Self-Ownership — The logical foundation of the Non-Aggression Principle