In this thought-provoking episode of "The Rational Egoist" with host Michael Leibowitz, special guest Max Borders, former director of content at The Foundation for Economic Education, and Executive Director at Social Evolution, delves into the realm of Public Choice Economics, the decline of empires, and the concept of a constitution of consent. The conversation centrers around how government intervention can disrupt natural supply and demand curves in the economy, limiting competition and hindering market responsiveness to actual consumer demands.

The discussion also touches on the phenomenon of "rational ignorance," where the average person lacks the time, incentive, or inclination to delve into the complexities of politics and economics. They explore how this widespread ignorance can lead to irrational decision-making, impacting society and policymaking.

Moreover, they explore the intriguing concept of "rational irrationality," where people have some knowledge about certain economic principles but choose to ignore them because the consequences do not directly affect them. This behaviour often manifests in the realm of politics and policies, with politicians engaging in virtue signalling, promising minimum wage increases without adequately addressing their potential adverse effects on employment.

Max’s contest: https://underthrow.substack.com/p/the-constitution-of-consent-contest

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 endeavours, 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.

As you embark on your intellectual journey, join Michael Leibowitz as he advocates for reason, individualism, and the pursuit of self-interest, inspiring others to embrace a philosophy that empowers and uplifts the human spirit.

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