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November 13, 2010 Classical Liberalism

Isonomia (n): Equality of laws to all manner of persons.In Constitution of Liberty, Hayek reminds us that the term isonomy referred to a state of equal laws for all, including the magistrates. In fact the concept was well ingrained in classical society, and was popularly contrasted with the arbitrary rule of tyrants. It became so popular that it was prominent in drinking songs celebrating the assassination of these tyrants. The concept even precedes the oldest appearances of the concept of democracy – or demand for equal participation of all in government.

In other words, the Rule of Law birthed democracy. Isonomia. I like that word. I plan to help revive it. Stay tuned.

"4" Comments
  1. Of course were all equal, some are just more equal than others.

    Really though, I do like the idea of an amendment or something that states Congress shall have to abide by the junk they force down our throats (healthcare, social security, etc).

  2. i thought you said insomnia

  3. Dictionary.com does not include the word “isonomia”, but it does include “isonomy”. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?
    http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Isonomy

  4. Isonomia is the Greek and isonomy is the Englished form. The Greek has a nice ring to it though.

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