Economic Independence Through Authorship

Sor Juana's writings—her plays, poems, philosophical essays, and theological works—were her primary means of maintaining a degree of economic independence within a patriarchal colonial system. Her reputation as an intellectual made her valuable; her publications brought her recognition and resources. In Libertarian justice, the ability to monetize one's labor—including mental labor—is central to economic freedom and property accumulation. Authorship and creative production offer a model where individuals create value directly through their own effort and intellect, without requiring permission from gatekeepers. Sor Juana's economic strategy through writing demonstrates how intellectual property and creative work can fund autonomy. She could not own land as a woman in her context, but she owned her words. This model applies broadly: when people retain rights to their intellectual output, they gain bargaining power, income security, and independence from exploitative relationships. Economic freedom flows from owning what you create.