- We believe liberty is the highest political value and a moral imperative.
- There are only two political philosophies: liberty and power.
- The free individual, possessing both moral worth and moral rights, is the fundamental unit of society.
- Social conflict results when “cooperation” or association is coerced by the government or when some seek to use the power of the state to impose their beliefs, values, or modes of behavior on others.
- Law and government require the consent of the governed and must be limited, constitutionally defined and constrained, transparent, and applied equally and consistently.
- Liberty and free markets create prosperity and progress by giving us the opportunity and incentives to use our talents and to cooperate with others to create and produce.
- Free speech, free expression, open inquiry, diversity of ideas and viewpoints, honest pursuit of truth, and healthy disagreement are essential to the progress of humanity and civilization.
- We are committed to peace and cooperation across all domains of society, from the local community to the realm of international relations.
Mission
The mission of the Cato Institute is to keep the principles, ideas, and moral case for liberty alive for future generations while moving public policy in the direction of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
Vision
Our vision is a free and open society in which liberty allows every individual to pursue a life of prosperity and meaning in peace.
