ABSTRACT
Coercion is not a pretty word. Unlike such honorific terms as freedom, liberty, order, democracy, and justice, coercion does not evoke pleasant thoughts, beautiful images, celebrated memories, or cheerful anticipations. On the contrary, the idea of coercion ere-ates symbols and images of fear and terror, arbitrary and irresponsible naked power, violence and the threat of physical brutality, the negation of freedom and individuality, or radical infringement of the rights of personality and the sacred domain of the human spirit. In particular, coercion is often viewed as the simple and direct antithesis of freedom. The very thought of it offends the sensibilities and embarrasses the conscience and rationality of libertarians and many others who have a heightened view and appreciation of what it means to be truly human, an authentic self.
