In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Leibowitz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the distinguished Mike ter Maat, a leading candidate for the Libertarian Party's Presidential nomination.

Together, they delve into the intricate realm of individual rights, autonomy, and rational decision-making.The dialogue commences with a fundamental inquiry: Does the government hold any legitimate authority to make decisions on behalf of individuals? Mike argues that, even in a hypothetical scenario where the government exhibits unerring competence, it still lacks the moral standing to make choices for individuals. He underscores the sanctity of individual free will and autonomy, asserting that people inherently possess the right to make their own decisions, even when those choices are deemed incorrect.

Furthermore, they discuss the imperative of allowing individuals to learn from the consequences of their decisions without government intervention.

The conversation then pivots to the contentious topic of intellectual property within a laissez-faire capitalist system. While some advocate for the abolition of intellectual property protections to thwart monopolies, Michael and Mike ter Maat meticulously examine this notion. They contend that intellectual property constitutes valid property deserving legal safeguarding. They emphasize the importance of upholding the intellectual property rights of individuals who invest time and effort in creating intellectual assets.Join us for this enlightening episode as Michael Leibowitz engages in a profound exploration of individual rights, personal autonomy, and rational self-interest with his guest, Mike ter Maat, on "The Rational Egoist Podcast."

Michael Leibowitz is a renowned philosopher, political activist, and the esteemed host of the Rational Egoist podcast. Inspired by the philosophical teachings of Ayn Rand, Leibowitz passionately champions the principles of reason, rational self-interest, and individualism, seeking to empower others through his compelling work.

His life's narrative exemplifies the transformative power of Ayn Rand's writings. Having faced challenging circumstances that led to a 25-year prison sentence, Leibowitz emerged from adversity by embracing the tenets of rational self-interest and moral philosophy put forth by Ayn Rand. This profound transformation propelled him to become an influential figure in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, motivating others to adopt reason, individualism, and self-interest in their own lives.

Beyond his impactful podcasting endeavors, Leibowitz fearlessly engages in lively political debates, advocating for the protection of individual rights and freedoms through compelling YouTube videos and insightful interviews. His unwavering commitment to these ideals has garnered him a dedicated following of like-minded individuals.Leibowitz is a versatile author, co-authoring the thought-provoking book titled "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime." This groundbreaking work delves into societal attitudes surrounding punishment and rehabilitation, shedding light on how misguided approaches have contributed to the rise of crime and recidivism.

Additionally, he has authored the book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty," offering an intimate portrayal of his personal journey while exploring the philosophies that influenced his transformation.

For a deeper exploration of his ideas and insights, don't miss the opportunity to read "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," co-authored by Michael Leibowitz. And also, delve into his book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty." Both books are available for purchase using the following links:"Down the Rabbit Hole": https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X"View from a Cage": https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj