Libertarianism-bogen, jeg omtalte for lidt over en uge siden, har nu også været under George H. Smith’s kærlige behandling. I sin essay skriver Smith det, der er citeret nedenfor.
Jeg kunne godt tænke mig at høre, hvordan denne blogs læsere har det med de tre bøger.
Among the introductions to libertarianism that have been published since the advent of the modern movement, three of the best are Libertarianism by John Hospers; For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto by Murray N. Rothbard; and Libertarianism: A Primer by David Boaz…
Although Hospers’s Libertarianism has much to recommend it, its length, slow pace, and (relatively) conservative tone render it problematic as an introduction for readers who are not already somewhat familiar with libertarianism. More fiery, more radical, and more substantive (especially in terms of its historical perspective) is Murray Rothbard’s For a New Liberty. I have often recommended this book to newbies, but I have done so selectively. Since it explicitly defends Rothbard’s version of anarchism, I have found that it appeals mainly to young persons who have already embraced some form of radical political philosophy, such as Marxism or left-anarchism. But, in my experience, it is not a book that appeals to the average Republican or Democrat.
If the libertarian porridge of Hospers is too cold for some newbies, and if that offered by Rothbard is too hot, I have found David Boaz’s Libertarianism: A Primer to be just right. It is the book that I have most often recommended when asked what someone should read for a good overview of libertarianism.
Jeg har moedt baade Rothbard, Boaz og Smith. Det undrer mig lidt, at Smith paa sine gamle (nuvaerende) dage vaelger en “middle-of-the way” libertarian som Boaz. Smith var en af de fremmeste fortalere for Rothbard (og David Friedman) i slutningen an 80’erne og starten af 90’erne. Maaske er han blot blevet bloedere med alderen?
Jeg vil klart anbefale Rothbard: For A New Liberty” og David Friedman: “The Machinery of Freedom” til alle, der oensker at vide mere om det frie samfund. I det mindste er det de to boeger, jeg giver til mennesker, jeg moeder, og diskuterer blot en smule politik/ideer med.
I en parentes er det forbloeffende hvor faa amerikanere, der kender dem. Men jeg goer mit til at sprede budskabet ;o)
Af de 3 bøger har jeg kun læst Rothbards bog For a New Liberty. På det tidspunkt ville jeg have alle svarene som det frie marked kunne give og Rothbard gav en fremragende præsentation og forsvar af det frie marked.
Han har helt ret i forhold til denne kommentar:
More fiery, more radical, and more substantive (especially in terms of its historical perspective) is Murray Rothbard’s For a New Liberty. I have often recommended this book to newbies, but I have done so selectively. Since it explicitly defends Rothbard’s version of anarchism, I have found that it appeals mainly to young persons who have already embraced some form of radical political philosophy, such as Marxism or left-anarchism.