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Against The State: An Anarcho-Capitalist Manifesto
Against The State argues the historical failure of the nation-state, and makes a case for a society based on a philosophy of anarcho-capitalism as the only rational alternative to restore liberty and sustainable prosperity to modern society.
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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628 people want to read
About the author
Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr.
38 books91 followersLlewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr., former editorial assistant to Ludwig von Mises and congressional chief of staff to Ron Paul, is founder and chairman of the Mises Institute, executor for the estate of Murray N. Rothbard, and editor of LewRockwell.com.
[source: lewrockwell.com]
[source: lewrockwell.com]
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 13, 2016
A must read
The U.S. Constitution was a noble attempt by a very intelligent group of men. They represented the various states at that time and wished to improve upon the original articles of confederation. They listed, in article 1 section 8 clauses 1 through 18 inclusive, both the upper and lower limits to federal powers. Then they listed further prohibitions on federal powers and finally as clarification they added the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Right. All of this to create a limited federal government which would remain a servant to the states and people. It has taken a couple of centuries to demonstrate that designing men can and will work tirelessly in order to usurp power from the people. This book asks the important question, do we even need government in order to live and prosper? Please understand that it is this humble reviewers opinion that a Constitutionally limited federal government would be a good step in the right decision but the ultimate goal for every thinking person should be to take ownership and responsibility for one's own life and to help those within your sphere of influence. Spontaneous order would emerge-not perfected but quickly responsive to change. Don't ask the government to do for you those things that you should do for yourself.
The U.S. Constitution was a noble attempt by a very intelligent group of men. They represented the various states at that time and wished to improve upon the original articles of confederation. They listed, in article 1 section 8 clauses 1 through 18 inclusive, both the upper and lower limits to federal powers. Then they listed further prohibitions on federal powers and finally as clarification they added the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Right. All of this to create a limited federal government which would remain a servant to the states and people. It has taken a couple of centuries to demonstrate that designing men can and will work tirelessly in order to usurp power from the people. This book asks the important question, do we even need government in order to live and prosper? Please understand that it is this humble reviewers opinion that a Constitutionally limited federal government would be a good step in the right decision but the ultimate goal for every thinking person should be to take ownership and responsibility for one's own life and to help those within your sphere of influence. Spontaneous order would emerge-not perfected but quickly responsive to change. Don't ask the government to do for you those things that you should do for yourself.
April 29, 2021
A rather mediocre and lackluster exposition of otherwise interesting ideas. Rockwell offers a critique of the major problems with the nation-state system of the 20th/21st century, namely violent foreign policy, the atrocious wars on drugs and "terror" and their terrible consequences, surveilance, central banking and the corporate state.
However, the book resembles more of an annoying journalistic rant inserted in-between large passages of other works by authors in the classical liberal/libertatian tradition and it's mostly these passages that actually compose the arguments against the state. As far as the "anarcho-capitalist" part goes Lew instructed us to read Rothbard and Hoppe without proposing any real solutions to the aforementioned issues other than jouvenile statements that the free market will solve it all, and with no arguments in support of said claims.
All in all, the "manifesto" is a quick read but still a waste of time. To those who seek a quick introduction to the philosophy of hardcore liberalism in the Misesian/Rothbardian tradition I would recommend Rothbard's Anatomy of the State and Spooner's No Treason. Both of which are much shorter than this and actually present the major arguments against the state that Lew cites here(rather poorly if I might add).
However, the book resembles more of an annoying journalistic rant inserted in-between large passages of other works by authors in the classical liberal/libertatian tradition and it's mostly these passages that actually compose the arguments against the state. As far as the "anarcho-capitalist" part goes Lew instructed us to read Rothbard and Hoppe without proposing any real solutions to the aforementioned issues other than jouvenile statements that the free market will solve it all, and with no arguments in support of said claims.
All in all, the "manifesto" is a quick read but still a waste of time. To those who seek a quick introduction to the philosophy of hardcore liberalism in the Misesian/Rothbardian tradition I would recommend Rothbard's Anatomy of the State and Spooner's No Treason. Both of which are much shorter than this and actually present the major arguments against the state that Lew cites here(rather poorly if I might add).
July 12, 2014
Fascinating book. It's excellent at diagnosing problems but falls short on the solution side. I was hoping for a more in-depth discussion of anarcho-capitalism and what an anarcho-capitalist society would look like. However, the title is descriptive of the content. It is merely a manifesto of anarcho-capitalism. That is, it tells the reader the aims of anarcho-capitalism, which are to do away with the state and base society around contract and the free market.
My only other gripe with the book is that some of it seems as if it was written years ago and simply copied and pasted into the book. Some examples are anachronistic because they seem to be written in the present tense, instead of acknowledging that the events took place years ago.
Overall, I recommend the book to all. Rockwell's point of view simply isn't represented in mainstream political discourse. We would be well served to consider ending government's monopoly on violence.
My only other gripe with the book is that some of it seems as if it was written years ago and simply copied and pasted into the book. Some examples are anachronistic because they seem to be written in the present tense, instead of acknowledging that the events took place years ago.
Overall, I recommend the book to all. Rockwell's point of view simply isn't represented in mainstream political discourse. We would be well served to consider ending government's monopoly on violence.
December 31, 2017
This is an excellent introduction to anarchist philosophy for anyone who questions the moral and practical aspects of a stateless society. Rockwell gives a good historical account of the decline of liberty in the U.S., and shows how a voluntary society is not the "chaos" that most people think of when they think of anarchy. The style can be casual at times, but is clear and easy to understand. A great starter book for those exploring libertarian philosophy.
January 1, 2018
Very well put together--helped me transition from Libertarianism to Alt-Right.
August 23, 2018
It’s ok
While the book makes some solid arguments, most of these arguments are simply quoted from the works of various anarchists, libertarians, and economists who are clearly more well-spoken than the author (i.e. Murray H Rothbard, Lysander Spooner, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, etc). Unfortunately this causes the original content from the author to come across as extremely amateur, and at times very obnoxious.
While the book makes some solid arguments, most of these arguments are simply quoted from the works of various anarchists, libertarians, and economists who are clearly more well-spoken than the author (i.e. Murray H Rothbard, Lysander Spooner, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, etc). Unfortunately this causes the original content from the author to come across as extremely amateur, and at times very obnoxious.
July 10, 2024
What a book.
I certainly am not a fan of the ideology presented by Mr Rockwell. The book itself is not badly written and the author presents his ideas quite clearly and in an understandable manner.
I certainly am not a fan of the ideology presented by Mr Rockwell. The book itself is not badly written and the author presents his ideas quite clearly and in an understandable manner.
August 20, 2017
Excellent.
April 10, 2018
Is government really necessary????
May 1, 2018
Compelling arguments of why the state is incompetent and, occasionally, evil.
October 27, 2018
I loved this. Ancaps are as utopian as communists, but I loved the commie manifesto too.
January 6, 2023
The second half is better than the first.
December 16, 2018
Whilst not as extensive in its content as the works of some of the more prominent Libertarian scholars, Lew Rockwell's book is definitely a good basic primer for anyone curious about Libertarianism or Anarcho-Capitalism in general.
Overall the book is very easy to read and even includes a few jokes that sadly only someone versed in basic economics (or at least possess a cynical view of the American government) could understand.
Rockwell makes a good series of arguments regarding ethics and law, using historical evidence as the basis for his reasoning, though I found some of them are more heavily centred around American politics and I would be skeptical about how they would be able to translate into the political and cultural issues in other countries.
Overall the book is very easy to read and even includes a few jokes that sadly only someone versed in basic economics (or at least possess a cynical view of the American government) could understand.
Rockwell makes a good series of arguments regarding ethics and law, using historical evidence as the basis for his reasoning, though I found some of them are more heavily centred around American politics and I would be skeptical about how they would be able to translate into the political and cultural issues in other countries.
September 20, 2015
Lew Rockwell uses just 162 pages to demolish the idea that we need the State. Covering every important aspect of the State that its apologists insist make it necessary for us to submit. That submission comes under threat of force and backed up by a history of unleashing violence to enforce that threat.
Lew tackles the Warfare State, the drug war, the assault on our liberties, how the bankers have waged war on the taxpayers, and how America really is a fascist system.
His chapter on war dismantles the neocon propaganda that the various wars and military engagements since the end of World War 2 have resulted in the liberation of the oppressed, replaced by freedom and democracy.
Lew Rockwell notes that because of technology, never before have we had access to so much information, yet American’s remain blind (by choice?) to the horrors perpetrated in their names.
Although he dedicates a chapter to “The Assault On Our Liberties”, this entire book is an interwoven testament to how the existing system dismantles the Bill of Rights. From the police state that has arisen with frightful speed since 9/11, to the government essentially claiming ownership of our bodies with the War on Drugs, and condemning America’s progeny to a life of debt slavery through massive money printing.
In the end, Rockwell disassembles the Minarchist idea of a limited government and explains how a free-market anarchist system would work. I’m not naïve and I certainly don’t believe in utopia. It’s a world unlikely to exist anytime soon if for no other reason than the violence the current system can bring to bear to cling onto power they’ve carved out for themselves. Nonetheless, this book should be read by anyone who even questions the status quo.
Lew tackles the Warfare State, the drug war, the assault on our liberties, how the bankers have waged war on the taxpayers, and how America really is a fascist system.
His chapter on war dismantles the neocon propaganda that the various wars and military engagements since the end of World War 2 have resulted in the liberation of the oppressed, replaced by freedom and democracy.
Lew Rockwell notes that because of technology, never before have we had access to so much information, yet American’s remain blind (by choice?) to the horrors perpetrated in their names.
Although he dedicates a chapter to “The Assault On Our Liberties”, this entire book is an interwoven testament to how the existing system dismantles the Bill of Rights. From the police state that has arisen with frightful speed since 9/11, to the government essentially claiming ownership of our bodies with the War on Drugs, and condemning America’s progeny to a life of debt slavery through massive money printing.
In the end, Rockwell disassembles the Minarchist idea of a limited government and explains how a free-market anarchist system would work. I’m not naïve and I certainly don’t believe in utopia. It’s a world unlikely to exist anytime soon if for no other reason than the violence the current system can bring to bear to cling onto power they’ve carved out for themselves. Nonetheless, this book should be read by anyone who even questions the status quo.
July 28, 2015
A Life Without Government is Possible
Mr. Rockwell writes an explicit, comprehensive and eVen engaging debate on the State in all its incarnations vs what he terms the vast benefits of "anarcho-capitalism", a form of non-statism where individual freedom and the pure and unrestrained free market governs society. I found it exceptionally absorbing, as it is clear our government has failed miserably to keep any of its obligations, and I have long favored exactly this kind of solution. Lacking sufficient economic or political background however, I never knew how feasible it would be to implement. How encouraging to know that others, very prominent and intelligent men at that, actually endorse similar sentiments! This is definitely a book every disgruntled American should read, then. It's information is both timely and vital to bring the many baffling incongeuities we have puzzled over to a sensible--though appalling--sensibility, and can offer us, thankfully, clear suggestions for workable solutions to our current grave difficulties.
Mr. Rockwell writes an explicit, comprehensive and eVen engaging debate on the State in all its incarnations vs what he terms the vast benefits of "anarcho-capitalism", a form of non-statism where individual freedom and the pure and unrestrained free market governs society. I found it exceptionally absorbing, as it is clear our government has failed miserably to keep any of its obligations, and I have long favored exactly this kind of solution. Lacking sufficient economic or political background however, I never knew how feasible it would be to implement. How encouraging to know that others, very prominent and intelligent men at that, actually endorse similar sentiments! This is definitely a book every disgruntled American should read, then. It's information is both timely and vital to bring the many baffling incongeuities we have puzzled over to a sensible--though appalling--sensibility, and can offer us, thankfully, clear suggestions for workable solutions to our current grave difficulties.
June 17, 2014
This is a fantastic introduction to the idea of a truly free society. Lew Rockwell delivers a searing critique of the state as it exists today. He traces the roots of its failures and shows clearly that it is an institution doomed to fail from the start. Lew goes on to show what a free society would look like and basic synopsis on how it would function.
This book is now a complete work on the matter, but an introduction that will whet the reader's appetite for more. Lew finished off the book with a an excellent list of books that flush out the ideas more thoroughly.
I highly recommend this book!
This book is now a complete work on the matter, but an introduction that will whet the reader's appetite for more. Lew finished off the book with a an excellent list of books that flush out the ideas more thoroughly.
I highly recommend this book!
October 24, 2015
This is one of the best book on Anarcho Capitalism, opens your eye to what the state does and has done for years.
For instance did you know,
"The American project of bringing a free society to Iraq could not possibly have worked. Why not? Because a free society requires a free market, and the American regime of conquest was founded on socialist planning by the state." p. 38
"The federal government already owns more than 40 percent of the United States" p.166
"The Nazis outlawed medical research on animals, with Hermann Göring threatening anyone who broke the law with being “deported to a concentration camp."" p. 177
For instance did you know,
"The American project of bringing a free society to Iraq could not possibly have worked. Why not? Because a free society requires a free market, and the American regime of conquest was founded on socialist planning by the state." p. 38
"The federal government already owns more than 40 percent of the United States" p.166
"The Nazis outlawed medical research on animals, with Hermann Göring threatening anyone who broke the law with being “deported to a concentration camp."" p. 177
March 15, 2016
I really like Lew Rockwell and pretty much anything that talks seriously and thoughtfully about the State. The majority of the book is in the format of a rant but it is backed-up with facts. I would love to live in the world of Anarcho-Capitalism he describes but I have too little faith in the ability of man to live under such a system without immediately forming a "State" again and using it to plunder his neighbors. If the fascist system we have now is really about to collapse, perhaps there will be an opportunity to set up something new, but I doubt it. I think it will continue to tighten its grip while the people become more and more subservient. C'est la vie.
December 3, 2014
This is a well-written and thoroughly argued dissertation concerning government and our relation to it. I am not sure that I am convinced that our government should be abolished and replaced by by nothing but the unrestricted free market. I will have to read and think more on the subject. But the author has clearly and convincingly described all of the things that are wrong with the present state and how it got that way. I urge everyone to read this and think about how we can get the ruling class under control.
August 9, 2014
This book is way more about modern statism than it is about anarcho-capitalism. It's an unorganized, rambling mishmash of anti-statist arguments with a focus on more contemporary issues. Was a bit disappointed. However, it is classic bombastic Rockwell style with very sound arguments. Last chapter about how anarchism would work is quite good, but a summary that relies on the arguments of others.
January 21, 2016
Was an alright read although I knew much of it already. I found the section on British intelligence involvement in the 1940 election and the section on Environmentalism the most interesting. A pretty good introduction on Anarcho-Capitalism for anyone that is interested in it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews