Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature and Other Essays

Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature and Other Essays is a collection of writings by economist Murray Rothbard that examines the philosophical foundations and practical implications of egalitarian thought. The book presents a critique of various egalitarian movements and policies, analyzing their effects on economics, social structures, and individual liberty. The essays cover diverse topics including free market economics, children's rights, environmentalism, women's liberation, and foreign policy. Rothbard builds his arguments through historical examples and economic analysis, challenging the core assumptions behind egalitarian ideologies and their implementation through state power. The central thesis confronts the notion that all people should be made equal in all respects, arguing that this concept contradicts natural human differences and leads to harmful political consequences. The work connects political theory with practical policy implications, examining how egalitarian ideas manifest in government programs and social movements. The collection represents an influential contribution to libertarian political philosophy, presenting a framework for understanding the relationship between individual rights, state power, and human nature. Through these essays, Rothbard engages with fundamental questions about equality, liberty, and the role of government in society.

Readers appreciate Rothbard's direct challenges to common assumptions about equality and his philosophical arguments against state intervention. Many note the book's clear writing style and provocative thesis. Several reviewers highlight the essay "Left and Right: The Prospects for Liberty" as particularly insightful. Critics argue that Rothbard oversimplifies complex social issues and makes sweeping generalizations. Some readers find his tone combative and his arguments against egalitarianism lacking nuance. A common criticism is that he doesn't adequately address counterarguments. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Rothbard presents libertarian ideas with remarkable clarity" - Goodreads reviewer "Too dismissive of valid concerns about inequality" - Amazon reviewer "The title essay alone is worth the price" - Mises Institute forum member "His arguments against feminism feel dated and poorly supported" - LibraryThing user

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🔸 Murray Rothbard wrote this book while serving as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he helped establish one of the most influential centers for Austrian economic thought in America 🔸 The title essay "Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature" was first published in Modern Age magazine in 1973, causing significant debate in academic circles 🔸 The book directly challenges the ideas of prominent egalitarian philosophers like John Rawls, whose "A Theory of Justice" (1971) had recently become a cornerstone of liberal political philosophy 🔸 Rothbard's analysis draws heavily from the work of Ludwig von Mises, under whom he studied at New York University's Graduate School of Business Administration 🔸 The book has been translated into 12 languages and remains a foundational text in the anarcho-capitalist movement, which Rothbard helped establish through this and other writings