Two important, illuminating, relevant modern themes in this 37 year-old book by a disciple of Ayn Rand: (1) our currently prevalent collectivist, statist philosophy is real and significant and can be defeated only by a better idea — Peikoff proposes Ayn Rand’s (and Aristotle’s) individualism and objectivism as that better idea; and (2) the Ominous Parallels between pre-Nazi 1920-1930 Germany and 21st Century America.
I had previously been unaware of the leading role of the pre-Nazi German intellectuals in developing and popularizing the philosophical foundation for the rise of Hitler. (Although Peikoff’s finger pointing at Plato, Kant, and Hegel strikes me as bit overdone.)
But the overall cultural, sociological, educational, economic and political comparisons of pre-Nazi Germany with America today are obvious and chilling. (“When I hear the word ‘culture,’ ” said Hanns Johst (President of the Reich Theater Chamber), in an immortal line, “I slip back the safety-catch of my revolver.”)
The questions remaining to be answered are: (1) which of the competing political ideas in America will emerge as “the will of the people;” and (2) who will be the leader embodying that will?
Will the end of our political argument be that “the enemies of the people,” whomever they may be determined to be, are required to mark their clothing, observe curfews, and live and work only in designated ghettos, before their delivery to the killing fields?
Unfortunate multiple typos in the Kindle edition, an unnecessary minor flaw.
Highly recommend for those who believe we can learn from history.
- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Plume (June 1, 1983)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0452011175
- ISBN-13: 978-0452011175
- Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1 x 8 inches
- Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Customer Reviews: 106 customer reviews
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#510,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #347 in Non-US Legal Systems (Books)
- #69 in Libertarianism
- #359 in Comparative Politics
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