Is freedom possible without virtue — and who should set society’s standards? That’s the big question we tackle in this episode of The Brian Nichols Show. Too often, people confuse “disliking” something with wanting government to ban it. But there’s a critical difference between using the state to enforce morality and letting society set boundaries through persuasion, stigma, and cultural norms. Studio Sponsor: Cardio Miracle - "Unlock the secret to a healthier heart, increased energy levels, and transform your cardiovascular fitness like never before.": CardioMiracle.com/TBNS Government’s job is narrow and clear: protect life, liberty, and property. When it wanders outside that lane, it doesn’t create a better society — it creates division and resentment. Yet today, every cultural disagreement seems to get funneled through politics, turning every election into a zero-sum fight to control the moral agenda. That’s not how a free society survives. Real change doesn’t come from laws or mandates. It comes from culture — from families, communities, and individuals reinforcing responsibility and setting standards without relying on Washington. The goal isn’t to make certain behaviors illegal. The goal is to make them unthinkable. In this episode, I break down why social stigma, persuasion, and voluntary virtue are more powerful than any piece of legislation. I dig into why Ron Paul’s “unthinkable” principle still matters, why government-enforced morality always backfires, and why the marketplace of ideas is messy but essential to liberty. If you care about freedom, family, and the future of our country, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Because liberty without virtue collapses into chaos. And virtue imposed by government collapses into tyranny. The only sustainable path is a free society guided by responsibility — not government dictates. ❤️ Order Cardio Miracle (CardioMiracle.com/TBNS) for 15% off and take a step towards better heart health and overall well-being! 📧Submit Listener Questions to brian@briannicholsshow.com to hear your questions and perspectives answered and shared each and every week!  🎙️ WATCH The Brian Nichols Show, available on YouTube & Rumble. With over 1020 episodes featuring local candidates, elected officials, economists, CEOs, and more, each show educates, enlightens, and informs. 🔗Follow Brian on social media: X.com/Twitter (https://www.briannicholsshow.com/twitter) & Facebook (https://www.briannicholsshow.com/facebook) 🔔 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Brian Nichols Show for more captivating interviews and insights into common sense solutions for local problems! 🌎 Don’t miss the Expat Money Online Summit (Oct 10–12) — a free online event on protecting wealth, lowering taxes, and securing a Plan B. Get your ticket at ExpatMoneySummit.com and use promo code TBNS for 20% off VIP access! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices