American Individualism [Paperback]

Herbert Hoover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

[T]he basic foundations of autocracy, whether it be class government or capitalism in the sense that a few men through unrestrained control of property determine the welfare of great numbers, is as far apart from the rightful expression of American individualism as the two poles. -from American Individualism Before he became president of the United States, Herbert Hoover organized massive programs to feed the starving after World War I. This compact treatise is the result of his experience in Europe, a defense of a moderate American liberalism that springs from the kindness, intelligence, and generosity of the people... and a call for the world to follow this example. Hoover would find this optimistic and munificent philosophy, published in 1922, sorely challenged only a few years later, when his new presidency was faced with the stock-market crash of 1929 and the resulting economic depression. With its peek inside the thinking that would eventually bring down Hoover's presidency, this is a remarkable little book, a reminder that the best of intentions aren't always enough. 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.

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596053461
• ISBN-13: 978-1596053465
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 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: #3,240,843 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.