I just signed up as a member to this site last weekend. I am 20 years old
My philosophical journey began in 2005 when I started to become interested in politics and governement. I have always considered myself a student of history, but its only until lately that I have latched onto philosophy.
Around 2006 I considered myself left wing. I was sympathetic toward left wing progressives on the anti-war issue. I was hostile toward capitalism and the free market. Thankfully I never latched onto socialism and central planning since I never bothered to research the methods of state economic intervention. In 2007 I heard about Ron Paul running for president. I have followed this particular politician for a while because i knew he stood out as a unique member of congress. Looked into his positions and soon became a fan of his candidacy, and considered myself a minarchist. Around October 2007 i discovered Stefan Molyneux's youtube videos. I especially enjoyed his series on why "libertarianism fails". This particular event was important in my philosophical development because it cleared up questions i had on the nature of monopolies, and the possible existence of them in a free market. Later i saw "Banana Republic". This cleared up anxieties i had on welfare and charity in a free market. Around February 2008 i converted to Anarcho-capitalism.
Recently i read everyday anarchy. This also cleared up some questions i had on free association. I am currently 40% through UPB, and i find it fascinating.
Also of note. Late 2006 i dropped out of college, and had to fend for myself. This experience of having to make it on my own turned me away from any socialistic tendencies i might of had. Working with so called "poor people", and competing in the private sector opened my eyes to the real world. For a year now i have been employed by a fortune 500 corporation that provides a very useful service, and this experience has made me more confident about the efficiency and frankly genius of the free market.