Exploring the Political Theory of Murray Rothbard in 'Anatomy of the State'

Ernesto: One of the best short book about the state. It's an all time favorite for American history teacher since it's short and very informal. It really makes you think about the philosophy behind the state.

United States on Aug 29, 2023

ALEXANDROS FRAGKIDIS: Explains how state emerged, what it is and why we don't need it.

United Kingdom on Aug 18, 2023

BPN: A must read for the sane thinking individual.

United States on Jul 25, 2023

Andrew S.: Great quick read if you're simply curious about surface level political philosophy. Rothbard gets to the point quickly with simple examples and explanations for all of his points, and provides a firm and confident overview of the history of "the state" and how it operates. Well worth the read in my opinion.

United States on Jul 20, 2023

Hussein: Brilliantly explains what the State is and what the State isn’t, its parasitic nature, and its absolute disregard to its citizens’ welfare and freedom.

Great read 10/10.

United Kingdom on Jul 07, 2023

Nephi Barros: Muito bom!

Brazil on Jun 20, 2023

A. Colins: Rothbard presents compelling arguments backed by historical evidence. Two things I appreciated about the book are (1) how concise and to the point it is, and (2) its review and assessment of ideas and arguments by other important thinkers, particularly John C. Calhoun and Charles Black, Jr. The book is 55 pages in total and the ideas are seemingly becoming more improtant with time.

United States on May 08, 2023

Clay Garner: “In the present more secular age, the divine right of the State has been supplemented by the invocation of a new god, Science. State rule is now proclaimed as being ultrascientific, as constituting planning by experts.’’

Rothbard writing in 1974. He just . . . nailed it!

“ But while “reason” is invoked more than in previous centuries, this is not the true reason of the individual and his exercise of free will; it is still collectivist and determinist, still implying holistic aggregates and coercive manipulation of passive subjects by their rulers.’’

I find this insightful. The use of ‘reason’ has changed into ‘trust us’.

“The increasing use of scientific jargon has permitted the State’s intellectuals to weave obscurantist apologia for State rule that would have only met with derision by the populace of a simpler age. A robber who justified his theft by saying that he really helped his victims, by his spending giving a boost to retail trade, would find few converts; but when this theory is clothed in Keynesian equations and impressive references to the “multiplier effect,” it unfortunately carries more conviction. And so...

United States on May 07, 2023

DDDD: By no means comprehensive, its good enough for anyone looking for an introductory to anarcho-capitalism. Murray Rothbard, a libertarian and considered to be the "state's greatest enemy" provides a rudimentary insight for the beginner into an economic system where the state ceases to intervene in the voluntary association between people.

The book, 50+ pages long, can be finished in one sitting for most readers. The print is large and the content is annotated referencing suggestions to further readings by various authors including some from his earlier works.

Imo, if one is looking to get an introduction to anarcho-capitalism, this would be a good place to start following it up by works of other authors.

India on Dec 12, 2022

Abinav: You will never look at the world the same way again.

India on Nov 13, 2022