Overview
Whatever words we write down will eventually need to be interpreted. The heart and mind of the person interpreting make all the difference.
- That is why the 3L Movement intends to convey the spirit of the philosophy to the hearts and minds of all.
Although the Legal Principle provides a principled approach from which to reason and extract consistent laws, it is inadequate by itself to serve as the entirety of a legal system for a civilized society.
Local communities will adopt many additional implementing laws, rules, and regulations, all of which must be consistent with the Legal Principle - this will require proper interpretation.
Improper interpretations can be cemented into these implementing laws, allowing for a slippery slope back towards a coercive society.
One of the most significant risks a 3L society would face is regression back to the coercive society we have today. The justification for a paradigm shift towards the 3L Philosophy is clear, and we must guard against such regression when a 3L society is achieved.
“Always remember that it is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood: there will always be some who misunderstand you.” Karl Popper, Unended Quest: An Intellectual Autobiography
Learning from America’s example
- In some ways, the vision of many of America’s Founding Fathers aligned with that of the 3L Movement. However, today it is clear that America is far off course from aligning its laws with the Legal Principle. We can learn from history, including major mistakes like the current interpretation of the Commerce Clause, to avoid repeating past failures.
Summary
- “Live and let live” is the phrase that summarizes the practical peace philosophy being offered as a framework for governing human interactions.
- Words are merely symbols to represent thoughts. No two people likely possess precisely the same thought as described by any particular word. For example, the word “chair” likely does not convey precisely the same thought to two different people.
- No specific set of words, even “live and let live,” can fully encompass all aspects of the 3L Philosophy as applied to all conceivable factual circumstances. Therefore, we could adequately utilize many words or phrases to describe all aspects of the 3L Philosophy.
- All such words and rules eventually require interpretation. There is no escape from this conclusion. The power to interpret the meaning of words and phrases can, and often does, fundamentally change an idea’s intended meaning when the person interpreting is motivated to reach a new or different meaning.
- Therefore, we must vigilantly guard the spirit of the 3L Philosophy: that all are free to live in any voluntary way they choose, and we should use this freedom for the highest good: peace and love.