46 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Possibly the most incendiary book ever written, November 15, 2000
This review is from: Might is Right - The Survival of the Fittest (Paperback)
"Might is Right - the Survival of the Fittest", by Ragnar Redbeard, is a case for Social Darwinism. It is not a philosophical treatise in the strict sense, but more of a "manifesto" for racism, sexism, the worship of strength and the virtues of war, such as unbridled rapine, extreme unscrupulousness, joy in risk and contempt of danger. The author makes it clear that he is a foe to weakness, servility, Christianity and "turning the other cheek." Impassioned, and at times, quite inspiring, it is characterised by its enamelled nineteenth century prose, its rhetorical splendours and thunderous declamations. Redbeard's message -- that "you can go further with a handful of might than a bagful of right" -- is repeated with very little variation throughout his treatise, to the effect of monotony. Most of his precepts are fairly commonsensical, or else mined from already extant literature. When he raves, however, Redbeard is truly original. His utterances, in a large measure, contain no sense at all, not even nonsense. At times, the style comes close to self-mockery and the arguments are riddled with contradictions. He makes it very plain that he is opposed to woman's emancipation: - "Woe unto the Race if ever these lovable creatures should break loose from mastership, and become the rulers or equals of Man." It is this section in particular, that shows Redbeard at his silliest and most self-contradictory. At one point, he declares: "It has been said of Mahomet that he said that 'Woman hath no soul'." Redbeard concurs enthusiastically with this view, only to add, about two lines later: - "It is a proven fact that woman has no soul (and neither has man, for that matter) but in woman's case, one has greater grounds for doubting the existence of her soul even less." What kind of brain-shattered nonsense is this? Most of the work is childish, and filled with arguments that range far beyond the area of rational examination or refutation. For a more coherent and more logical presentation of similar views, I would recommend Max Stirner's "The Ego and Its Own" -- a testament of philosophical anarchism.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a rant that Jack London would not dare put his name on, March 20, 2000
"an evil spirit hath innoculated our race with the hideous gospel of submissiveness and degeneracy;- "Resist not evil" it whines and "If a man smite thee on one cheek, turn to him the other also". But I say unto you: - 'If a man smite you on one cheek, smash HIM on the "other". Resist every evil! Be as a lion in the path! Be "dangerous", even in defeat! Courage, I say! Courage! And evermore Courage! Even the stars in their courses are fight for the bold."
It's a strong and sometimes hateful book, but nonetheless EXTREMELY interesting if you can make it through the endless ranting. There was always something missing from my education about the way the world really was in it's sobering and ruthless truth. The ying and the yang baby. If you want to know the evil side that is integrated into nature, then you will love Might Is Right. But get ready, it may take you months to get over it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
powerful, January 30, 2000
This review is from: Might is Right - The Survival of the Fittest (Paperback)
The author makes it clear that "rights" can only exist when people have the power to claim them.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No