According to Thomas Hume (I think) man's lot in a state of nature is vicious,
brutal and short.
Therefore to counteract that man gave up his individual liberty...traded
freedom for security...and began the path toward a sufficiently high level of
technology where once again individuals could "own themselves"
If I were to own myself there are several things taken for granted in todays
culture that would be unacceptable.
Conscription comes to mind....Also the multitude of "Victimless"
crimes...(Prostitution...Drug Use....Smoking...Pornography...Country Western
Music....), Taxation...serving on Juries...any occurence whereby property is
taken against a person's will or a person is forced to perform actions. (key
words...<forced> <taken>)
Since these things ARE allowed it is obvious that the government (actually
those in control of same) regard us as no more than slaves. Slaves of
benevolant masters perhaps...but slaves.
I don't recall having heard of how a society of FREE individuals would
function. However we'd probably better figure it out....since if Vernor
Vinge's prediction concerning the inevitable collapse of governments is
true.........