[gcruse]

The essayist seems absolutely unconcerned with those
who, as you put it, "may harm themselves but are no threat to us"

If you are not free to do as you will with yourself, then you
don't really have freedom.  You own yourself.  Don't throw
that away.

[gaspar]

If you are a Christian or Jew you are not "free" to do with yourself or your person as you choose. This was answered in the first book of the Old Testament which resolved the issue of the inherant social contract with a few choice words: "Am I my brother's keeper?"