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The Wizards of Ozymandias: Reflections on the Decline & Fall Paperback – June 1, 2012

by Butler Shaffer (Author), Butler D. Shaffer (Author)

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Butler Shaffer has, over the course of several years, written 51 wonderful essays observing the dissolution of Western culture and civilization. They have been assembled in the The Wizards of Ozymandias a captivating work full of entertaining epigrams and anecdotes, as well as enlightening commentary on current events, and historical episodes, that will keep you engaged and immersed from the first to last page. Shaffer's intellectual prowess and deep well of life experience enlightens and rouses introspection at every turn. It is immediately evident that the author has been writing on law, economics, and history for decades. This book will challenge you to more deeply contemplate the ideals of liberty. The title may be foreboding, but for all that, the book is an uplifting and gratifying read.In his great poem "Ozymandias" Percy Shelley pictures for us the eponymous tyrant whose arrogance of power could not save him from historical oblivion. Ozymandias is a reminder of the fragile nature of every system—be it biological, institutional, or cosmic in character. As we are learning from the advanced course in history in which we seem now to be enrolled, this precariousness also applies to civilizations. It is difficult for intelligent minds to doubt that this current system is in the process of joining Ozymandias in the dust-bin of history.Western culture has produced material and spiritual values that have done so much to humanize and civilize mankind. Unfortunately, it has also produced highly-structured institutions and practices that not only impede, but reverse these life-enhancing qualities. Is it possible for us to energize our intelligence in order to rediscover, in the debris of our dying civilization, the requisite components for a fundamentally transformed culture grounded in free, peaceful, and productive systems that sustain rather than diminish life?In the introduction Shaffer describes how civilizations are created by individuals. In following chapters, he explains how they are destroyed by collectives which are good for little more than the destruction of what others have created. Seen in the sharp contrasts between market economies and state socialism; the fundamental struggles are between the creative energies unleashed by liberty, and the repressive forces of politics. Shaffer explores the impact that institutionalism may have on the decline of civilization.Shaffer methodically takes the reader through the rise and decline of Western civilization using references that range from the construction of an Islamic cultural center a few blocks from the site of the former World Trade Center, to the BP disaster, to the 1951 motion picture, The Day the Earth Stood Still and on to experiments in removing road signs and traffic lights.What is likely to follow from this imminent “decline and fall?” Might the remnants of our terminal culture—like an estate bequeathed us by a rich benefactor—provide the foundations for a fundamentally transformed culture; one that does not cannibalize itself?Can conditions of peace and liberty replace the wars, coercive regulation, and worship of violence that have combined to destroy our present civilization? The book ends with such questions, and invites the reader to contemplate how such a life-centered culture might arise.If after reading this book you are not convinced that the fall of western civilization is upon us, don't grieve just yet! Shaffer is optimistic that such a collapse could be the turning point for a social transformation toward a society that embraces individual liberty and private property, and that is free from collectivism and institutionalization. Shaffer can already see the seeds of such a transformation.

Print length

310 pages
Language

English
Publication date

June 1, 2012
Dimensions

6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1610162528
ISBN-13

978-1610162524
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ludwig von Mises Institute; 1st edition (June 1, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1610162528
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1610162524
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,299,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,604 in Political Economy
- #4,185 in History of Civilization & Culture
- #5,103 in Political Conservatism & Liberalism

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Shane Pruyne

I felt that Chapter 37 was worth the price of the ebook

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2015

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Three and half stars. This was good, but after the brilliance of "Boundaries of Order" I was disappointed. This is a vast collection of articles and essays, while there are moments of brilliance, it is largely repetitive. I know that we are told that we must hear things three times to remember, but after nine times or 18 times... it does get monotonous.

I felt that Chapter 37 "Bring Back Discrimination" was worth the price of the ebook. So in that light, everything else was a bonus. I am not turned off Shaffer by any means, but I am very glad that I read "Boundaries of Order" before I tackled this.

3 people found this helpful

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James Weiler

Enlightening

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2017

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Butler Shaffer is a master at putting into word's what being an individual human being really means. As an anarchist/libertarian it opened more doors to my inner self.

3 people found this helpful

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S Truitt

CAME FROM A HEAVY SMOKER'S HOUSE. COULD NOT READ.

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2019

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COULDN'T EVEN READ IT. I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL BOOKS FROM BETTERWORLD, THIS IS MY FIRST BAD EXPERIENCE.

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Matt D.

Very well written with a mix of history and philosophy

Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2020

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I really like this book. I am actually blown away by the depth that Butler Shaffer has to offer in this book about the rise and fall of western civilizations.

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Thomas Madison

Excellent and Logical!

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012

Considering I'm only on Chapter 4, it may be a little premature to call this an overall Excellent work, but I'm confident that the rest of the book will not disappoint. The author uses reasonable and logical explanations for his arguments about the fallacy of central planning by government, politicians, and media. These 3 entities try so hard to fit the cause and solution of the nation's most complex problems into a simple mold. This book and reason show that chaotic systems such as human behavior and the economy cannot and should not be controlled. Trying to control them only results in more rules and laws, bad characterizations, and ultimately less freedom. Instead, let God-given liberty steer us on the right and proper course. Definitely recommend this book!

29 people found this helpful

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The Wizards of Ozymandias: Reflections on the Decline & Fall Paperback – June 1, 2012

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