When you run out of land here is a simple solution: move to the sea. Despite the hardships of living at sea, Patri Friedman and his organization The Seasteading Institute plan to place their first sovereign nation off the coast of San Francisco. Leaving the laws, regulations, and taxes of the United States and other major nations behind, seasteading nations, Friedman hopes, will become the new homes of many liberty-craving citizens of the world.
For some observers, this concept may conjure up images of the 60s counterculture movement toward communes, but Friedman thinks that the first expatriates will not have such liberal lifestyle habits. Friedman believes that “'steaders will not be nudists, recreational drug users, pacifists, environmentalists, or religious groups hoping to create an enclave far away from secular influences." He plans to bring successful entrepreneurs, investors, and even doctors out to the sea dwellings. You could end up living next door to Donald Trump or Alan Sugar (not sure if this is a good thing).
If you want to find out more, Patri Priedman will be talking at the ASI on March 31st 2009, 6.30pm to 8.30pm where he will discuss seasteading and all that it encompasses. To find out more click here. If you would like to attend please email events@old.adamsmith.org to be put on the guest list.
