A classic that for over two decades has been hailed as the best general work on libertarianism available. Rothbard begins with a quick overview of ...
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Sep 25, 2010
Robert
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The level of radical thought in this book is so exciting, I literally read all 419 pages in a personal record of 5 days. In the book, Rothbard hones in all the pieces connecting the modern Libertarian movement (as of 1972 when the book was first published at least) and the most striking thing was the consistency of the logic. It's solid. That's not to say that it shouldn't open to scrutiny, but that's precisely what Rothbard expects, and it gets me eager to catch up on the 35+ years of scholarsh
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Oct 18, 2011
zerospinboson
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A facile argument that attempts to borrow authority from Locke and the natural rights tradition.
Interestingly, what is wrong about this book is fairly easily summarized. On p.38, he quotes from one of Locke's treatises on government:
Interestingly, what is wrong about this book is fairly easily summarized. On p.38, he quotes from one of Locke's treatises on government:
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. . . every man has a property in his own person. This nobody has any right to but himself. The labour of his body and the work of his hands, we may say, are properly his. Whatsoever, then, he removes out of the state that nature hath provided and l
Sep 04, 2011
Void
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Though I was familiar with some of the libertarian views before starting the book, I had doubts about the feasibility of others... doubts which this book managed to address, and much more than that. The author describes in a rigorous and logical way a world which is even more amazing than I could imagine. I was very very impressed by this book. I also liked that the focus was not on complaining on how twisted our present state is, but on presenting the solution... and a fantastic one at that. On
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Jul 28, 2011
Jakub
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Words like liberal, conservative, left and right were twisted, distorted and deformed in such a manner that their meaning is kind of lost. Rothbard explains the values of libertarianism - so in this book you will find not only Rothbard's views on money, banking, FED and gold standard - which are leading topics of the majority of his work - but also on many other fields of the organization of a human society.
Rothbard defends liberty, property rights and gives a thorough description of functionin More...
Rothbard defends liberty, property rights and gives a thorough description of functionin More...
Jan 17, 2011
Mike
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Truth is a very powerful thing. Murray Rothbard is a treasure to all mankind for enshrining this truth with the logical brilliance of his words. I have little doubt that this idea will eventually be implemented although I seriously doubt it will happen in my lifetime. But I hope my progeny will one day live in such a world.
It starts with the non-aggression axiom that no person or group of people may aggress against the person or property of anyone else. All natural rights are theref More...
It starts with the non-aggression axiom that no person or group of people may aggress against the person or property of anyone else. All natural rights are theref More...
Jul 20, 2011
Jeremy
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This book is mind-blowing. It’s like reading something completely, refreshingly new and yet innately familiar and comfortable. Rothbard is an expansively knowledgeable historian, a clear and concise economist, and a hopeful yet practical political philosopher. As I read, I was conflicted because half of me wanted to read slowly and savor each page, but the other half wanted to rush through and devour all the exciting information. This is one of those rare books you come across that jus More...
Jun 14, 2011
Robert
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The best book on Individual liberty I have ever read...It finally cleared up the nature of government, its role in the destruction of human happiness, and why thinking government can help us solve our problems is magical thinking akin to believing in fairies, Gods, or that we can fly by standing in a bucket and pulling really hard on the handle. When we finally understand this, we start to see every action taken by government at any point in time to be the actions of a lunatic giving tugs on th
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Jun 28, 2009
Jon
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Alright, I guess. I agree with some of the ideas like solving environmental problems and crime problems through private property, but it is way too dogmatic. I don't agree with the anarchism or natural law. Natural law is just a way to put religion into a secular government or society. I really don't see anarcho-capitalism as a wonderful system either. I admit that it could work, but I wouldn't want to live in that society.
Jul 12, 2010
Heather
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Wow! What an amazing book. I considered myself a "minarchist" Libertarian, with the belief that there was some use and justification for minimal government. Thanks to Rothbard's excellent treatise, I'm now reconsidering that. It's definitely thought provoking and he puts forth excellent arguments why government cannot be trusted with anything - no matter what limits are imposed on them. I'm still not sure how we can get to the full Libertarian society he envisions - or if it's eve
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Jul 29, 2011
A strong Rothbard classic that provides a basic introduction to libertarianism but with some new information to be gleaned even by readers deeply familiar with the tradition. The book is a bit dated, although this makes it more interesting historically in terms of how libertarian ideas about the dominant political themes of the post-modern age have evolved since the 1970s.
Dec 29, 2010
David
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What an amazing foundational document for individual liberty and a free society, yet so eminently practical and readable! Rothbard is one of the greats and this is among his best work. Ties together the theory and practice of liberty with plenty of examples but remains always on point.
Jan 19, 2009
Brendan
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A detailed look at the Libertarian creed, from first principles of morality and ethics through the most complex and most misunderstood issues, this is another book that no one interested in politics or liberty should miss.
Sep 17, 2011
Rendier
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Great ideas and philosophy! Unfortunately not part of the ANC's planning, but still a model to be pursued, and a new perspective on the role of government. Goes all American in the middle if you have to criticize, but still interesting.
A must-read!
A must-read!
Sep 25, 2010
Steven
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How a society organised without rulers might work. i.e. political anarchy (not to be confused with violence, chaos and disorder).
Jan 07, 2009
Brent
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The title says it all. If you call yourself a Liberarian, or if you just love freedom, this is a must read!
Jun 28, 2010
Cortney
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clear and convincing. Full of fascinating history of political economy.
Jan 28, 2010
Monica
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The Libertarian Manifesto. My manifesto. Cursorily answers all the questions about anarcho-capitalism, or a natural law society. I only wish the examples were more recent. Each chapter could be a book on its own and, actually, the mises institute (mises.org) has many books that are dedicated to one or another of Rothbard's topics. A joy to read.
Dec 19, 2011
Arturo
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La calidad de los argumentos varía mucho en cada caso, pero la retórica del autor tiene una fuerza indiscutible. Si sientes simpatía por el socialismo, no creo que este libro te haga cambiar de opinión, pero si estás indeciso y sientes curiosidad por el tema, échale un vistazo. Este libro podría cambiar tu vida.
Apr 26, 2010
Joshua
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One of the best books I have ever read. Required reading for anyone serious about liberty.
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