📖 Overview
Thomas H. Naylor (1936-2012) was an American professor, author, and political activist best known for founding the Second Vermont Republic movement, which advocated for Vermont's peaceful secession from the United States.
As a professor of economics at Duke University for over 30 years, Naylor published numerous academic works on computer modeling, management science, and corporate strategy. His scholarly publications include over 30 books, notably "The Corporate Strategy Matrix" and "Computer Simulation Techniques."
After retiring from Duke and moving to Vermont in 1993, Naylor shifted his focus to political activism and social commentary. He published several controversial books critiquing American empire and globalization, including "Downsizing the USA" and "Secession: How Vermont and All the Other States Can Save Themselves from the Empire."
The Second Vermont Republic movement, which Naylor launched in 2003, became one of the most visible state secession efforts in modern American history. His final years were dedicated to promoting Vermont independence and writing about the negative effects of large-scale political and economic institutions on human society.
👀 Reviews
Readers express divided views on Naylor's work, with stark differences between his academic publications and later political writings.
His technical books like "Computer Simulation Techniques" receive praise from business students and academics for clear explanations of complex modeling concepts. One reader on Amazon noted the book "presents simulation methods in an accessible way for beginners."
The secession-focused books draw more heated responses. Readers on Goodreads appreciate his critique of centralized power but question the practicality of his solutions. A common criticism points to overly idealistic views about small-state viability.
The book "Downsizing the USA" averages 3.2/5 stars on Amazon (12 reviews), with critics calling it "naive" and supporters praising its "bold vision." His academic works maintain higher ratings, typically 4+ stars but with fewer reviews.
Most negative reviews focus on:
- Lack of detailed implementation plans
- Oversimplified economic arguments
- Dismissal of counter-perspectives
- Writing style described as "polemical"
Positive reviews highlight:
- Clear technical writing in academic works
- Novel perspectives on political scale
- Courage to challenge mainstream views
📚 Books by Thomas H. Naylor
Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic (2001)
Examines the societal problems caused by excessive consumption and materialism in American culture.
The Corporate Strategy Matrix (1979) Presents a framework for analyzing and developing corporate strategy using matrix-based decision tools.
Computer Simulation Techniques (1966) Provides technical guidance on using computer modeling for business and economic analysis.
Downsizing the USA (1997) Analyzes problems with large-scale institutions in America and argues for smaller political units.
Secession: How Vermont and All the Other States Can Save Themselves from the Empire (2008) Details arguments for state secession movements and Vermont independence specifically.
The Search for Meaning (1994) Explores philosophical questions about purpose and fulfillment in modern society.
Industrial Dynamics and Management Science (1971) Explains applications of systems dynamics and quantitative methods in business management.
Computer Simulation Experiments with Models of Economic Systems (1971) Demonstrates the use of computer modeling to study economic systems and policy effects.
The Corporate Strategy Matrix (1979) Presents a framework for analyzing and developing corporate strategy using matrix-based decision tools.
Computer Simulation Techniques (1966) Provides technical guidance on using computer modeling for business and economic analysis.
Downsizing the USA (1997) Analyzes problems with large-scale institutions in America and argues for smaller political units.
Secession: How Vermont and All the Other States Can Save Themselves from the Empire (2008) Details arguments for state secession movements and Vermont independence specifically.
The Search for Meaning (1994) Explores philosophical questions about purpose and fulfillment in modern society.
Industrial Dynamics and Management Science (1971) Explains applications of systems dynamics and quantitative methods in business management.
Computer Simulation Experiments with Models of Economic Systems (1971) Demonstrates the use of computer modeling to study economic systems and policy effects.
👥 Similar authors
Kirkpatrick Sale writes extensively about decentralization, technology criticism, and bioregionalism. His works like "Human Scale" and "Rebels Against the Future" explore similar themes to Naylor regarding the problems of centralized power and industrial society.
Leopold Kohr developed the concept of "the breakdown of nations" and argued for the benefits of small political units. His philosophy about the inherent problems of large-scale societies directly influenced Naylor's thinking about Vermont independence.
Jane Jacobs analyzes how economies and communities function at the human scale. Her work on cities and economies parallels Naylor's critique of oversized institutions and advocacy for local control.
Morris Berman examines the decline of American empire and civilization from a critical perspective. His trilogy on American decline addresses many of the same concerns about imperial overreach and cultural decay that Naylor explored.
Bill Kauffman writes about American regionalism, localism, and anti-imperialism from a conservative perspective. His books on secession movements and small-town America complement Naylor's vision of political decentralization and local autonomy.
Leopold Kohr developed the concept of "the breakdown of nations" and argued for the benefits of small political units. His philosophy about the inherent problems of large-scale societies directly influenced Naylor's thinking about Vermont independence.
Jane Jacobs analyzes how economies and communities function at the human scale. Her work on cities and economies parallels Naylor's critique of oversized institutions and advocacy for local control.
Morris Berman examines the decline of American empire and civilization from a critical perspective. His trilogy on American decline addresses many of the same concerns about imperial overreach and cultural decay that Naylor explored.
Bill Kauffman writes about American regionalism, localism, and anti-imperialism from a conservative perspective. His books on secession movements and small-town America complement Naylor's vision of political decentralization and local autonomy.