REASON Profile: Susan Love Brown

When Susan Love Brown subscribed to REASON in 1972 she had never even heard the term "libertarian," let alone been an activist. "But after reading the Libertarian Party Platform in REASON I was propelled into action by what seemed to be the clearest statement of what I had seen politically. I wrote an enthusiastic, if not gushy, letter to LP headquarters only to find myself temporary chairman of a nonexistent Kentucky Party. Since then I have become immersed in libertarian theory and have developed along the lines of anarcho-capitalism." The Kentucky LP flourished under her leadership, gaining members and sponsoring such activities as last year's Free Woman's Seminar (see "Frontlines," Feb. 1974). Since moving to California last year, Ms. Brown has become active in San Diego's Libertarian Alternative, as well as in the California and national LP's.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 26-year-old Ms. Brown attended the University of Louisville, where she majored in English and Philosophy. She edited The Louisville (KY) Defender newspaper for two years, writing over 300 articles for them. She had a weekly column, "The Libertarian Front," in the University newspaper for one semester and has published in Fiction and REASON (see "Rape of the Black Mind," this issue) magazines.

About the only hobby she has time for now is reading—"literature in particular and anything else in general. I am especially interested in reading books that help me to understand people." Favorite authors include Max Eastman (especially Love and Revolution), Leon Uris (Exodus), William Faulkner, and Truman Capote; and she is especially interested in the cosmogonical theories of Immanuel Velikovsky. Ms. Brown enjoys writing—her ultimate goal is to be a professional writer. In the performing arts her passion is ballet: she was in a semi-professional ballet company for a short time.

Ms. Brown is currently on the staff of the Campus Studies Institute Division of World Research, Inc. (11722 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92121), an educational organization that promotes free market philosophy among college students and faculty members. "My work at CSI is basically creative—writing (I am a co-editor of CSI's new book, The Incredible Bread Machine), helping develop programs and materials, and research. I get a chance to work every day for ideas I believe in."

Ms. Brown's approach to libertarianism is basically educationalist. "I think that a more universal libertarian influence can be achieved only through education, regardless of the methods employed. And I think further investigation into areas like psychology and sociology—in other words, areas which lead to a better human understanding—will divulge a lot of reasons why some people naturally gravitate toward liberty while others shun its responsibilities."