Are libertarians selfish?

Yes

33 (82.5%)

No, I value my money too much

5 (12.5%)

No, if I don't get freedom no one does

1 (2.5%)

I hate freedom (Nathyn)

1 (2.5%)

Total Members Voted: 21

[annyab]

My point is that part of the libertarian philosophy should be to have the choice of where you're money goes, if anywhere at all.

No doubt about that. We are both in agreement. I was merely pointing out that this is a consequence of Libertarians understanding rational self interest, which is the basis for the Non Aggression Principle (and hence the idea that you control your own body and all that follows, including your money).

So we are both mostly in agreement but I saw fit to point this out so the consequence is not mistaken for the cause. It seemed you did not realize it.

The main reason I posted is because of your assertion that Libertarians are not necessarily selfish, which is not true:

I wouldn't say libertarians are, by nature, selfish.

Not only are libertarians selfish (just like everybody else), but they understand their rational self interest well enough to identify, and call for an end to, initiated violence (which is the difference with others). Your example is perfectly fine and I think this is a great idea.. I myself only discovered ways to do that easily only recently, and I might consider doing it (right now, I tend to spend most of my donation money on liberty minded organizations).

I understood we were in agreement lol

I really don't think that libertarians are selfish in the sense that it implies a lack of concern for others. I just don't think thats totally true. Obviously all people are going to act out of self-interest first and foremost, but maybe there is a certain connotation I can't get over with selfish-ness.

[iWantToLiveFree]

...but maybe there is a certain connotation I can't get over with selfish-ness.

Yes indeed, which you expressed here:

I really don't think that libertarians are selfish in the sense that it implies a lack of concern for others.

Being selfish does not specifically say anything about concern for others (or lack thereof)... but this is probably the way most people think about it. As a result, being selfish is often mistaken for egocentrism, which is what you truly have an objection to if I'm not mistaken.

I personally believe that few people are truly (consistently) egocentric.. and I certainly don't believe this to be more prevalent within libertarian circles by any stretch. And neither do you (wow, so we are yet again in agreement here ).

I think the easiest way to put it when explaining this to non libertarians is to explain that we are "against coercive redistribution of wealth but favorable to voluntary charity". That pretty much sums it up and avoids the charge of being "selfish" (which is really intended to mean "egocentric").

This is probably easier than attempting to explain the difference between egocentrism, selfishness and rational self interest... and then proving that selfishness is not something they can escape (people don't want to hear that and it'll turn them off - point in case, even you are not comfortable with it despite understanding it).

[annyab]

you articulated my views exactly.

against coercive redistribution of wealth but favorable to voluntary charity

this is almost word for word of how I try to explain libertarianism to people.