# Early Arguments for Economic Liberty: The De La Court Brothers **URL:** **By** Paul Meany **Published:** July 15, 2021 --- Living in the Dutch Republic during the 17th-century, Pieter and Johan De La Court provided some of the earliest full-fledged arguments for economic liberty, republicanism, and what they called true liberty. ## Summary: Unlike their monarchical neighbors, the 17th-century Dutch Republic was a tolerant capitalist society amid a Golden Age of exploration, commerce, and science. The most outstanding defenders of this out of place, yet highly successful republic were the De La Court brothers, two radical writers who become precursors to the most radical elements of Enlightenment thought in favor of commerce, toleration, and above all else, liberty.