Why are *so many* Libertarians so smug and annoying?

[bedstuy]

I think you're probably right about extreme libertarian academics.  Almost all economists believe in free trade and limited government, but are political moderate and their economics research is based on empirical research and boring math stuff.  Austrian economics is uninterested in empirical research and boring math stuff.

Robert Nozick comes to mind as the most prominent libertarian academic philosopher.  I couldn't name another modern example.  There are a few other famous libertarian academics in other areas of study. 

I agree that the internet seems chock full of annoying libertarians.  I honestly think that's almost neurological.  People who lack social insight, empathy and experience dealing with human beings tend to be overrepresented on the internet.  Instead of going to the bars with their friends, they're commenting on Youtube.  At the same time, a lack of empathy and understanding of how humans work makes libertarianism attractive.