American Individualism (1922) [Paperback]

Herbert Hoover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 13, 2006

We Have witnessed in this last eight years the spread of revolution over one third of the world. The causes of these explosions lie at far greater depths than the failure of governments in war. The war itself in its last stages was a conflict of social philosophies but beyond this the causes of social explosion lay in the great inequalities and injustices of centuries flogged beyond endurance by the conflict and freed from restraint by the destruction of war. The urgent forces which drive human society have been plunged into a terrible furnace. Great theories spun by dreamers to remedy the pressing human ills have come to the front of men's minds.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The 31st President of the United States, HERBERT HOOVER (1874-1964) was born in Iowa, educated at Stanford University, and made a fortune in mining interests. He was instrumental in numerous international war-relief efforts. He served as secretary of commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge, and was elected to the Oval Office in 1928. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: Book Jungle (July 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594622469
• ISBN-13: 978-1594622465
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,812,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Defense of His Argument, September 12, 2009

By 

Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM (Hardcover)

Hoover sees no conflict between the accomplishments of individual achievers and the welfare of the general public. He argues strongly against too much government power, but does so in a balanced manner, noting that a certain amount of government oversight is needed to keep elements of the system in check. The former president makes the case that individuals who manage holistically, do not do so out of greed, but consider altruistic responsibilities to be a necessary part of their work.

Writing after World War I, he concedes that unfairness existed, that certain people sacrified more in the war effort than others, but no system was perfect. The same applies to peace time. In making his case for limited government, he writes, "Individualism has been the primary force of American civilization for three centuries" (p. 63). He goes on to comtrast the American system with Europe where family names and inheritances created and maintained unfair advantages, locking people into caste systems.

On page 26 he observes, "Our social and economic system cannot march toward better days unless it is inspired by things of the spirit." He goes on to argue against the Divine Right of Kings. Hoover concludes that chapter by noting, "that permanent spiritual progress lies with the individual." In the next chapter he discusses economy gains that has grown out of the American Individualism paradigm. He says, "The economic development of the past fifty years has lifted the general standard of comfort far beyond the dreams of our forefathers."

Hoover links his generation with the past quite effectively. This is an insightful book that can easily be read in one setting. It helps you to understand the worldview of a significant historical figure.