Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Considering the complexity of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, it is amazing that Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote it in the trenches during WWI. The only book published while he was alive, depicts a young philosopher's concern with the problem of the science. Although he later dismissed this work, Tractatus remains an important text in its field. Even though I don't agree with Wittgenstein nihilism, but his ideas in this book are important for the discussion about psychology, epistemology, ethics, language and philosophy.

This text is Wittgenstein's critique of philosophy 

"Philosophy is not one of the natural sciences.... Philosophy is not a body of doctrine but an activity". 

In Tractatus Wittgenstein makes an equivalence of reason and symbolic logic - no errors. "Though can never be of anything illogical, since, if it were, we should have to think illogically." This follows that if language follows the same rules of symbolic logic, reasoning would be error free.

Later, Wittgenstein establishes an analogy between language and pictures as representations of reality, "A picture is a model of reality". A reality that is comprised of facts, not things. The world is made of facts, events, not things. 

For the young Wittgenstein what counts is a thorough logical construct of propositions and operators, a general form of truth-function as he called it. 

"The proof of logical propositions consists in the following process: we produce them out of another logical proposition by successively applying certain operations that always generate further tautologies out of the initial ones." 

It doesn't need to be validated with reality. How could one validate a proposition with reality if we can't know reality? We just can check their logical soundness. The problem why we seem to make mistakes is that our languages are not solid enough. 

"In order to avoid such errors (one sign with multiple significations) we must make use of a sign-language that excludes them by not using the same sign for different symbols and not using in a superficially similar way signs that have different modes of signification: that is to say, a sign-language that is governed by logical grammar"

The conclusion is that we must thrive to use coherent, unequivocal language to represent reality. If sign-language is complete, all the world can be coded.

Did I understood Wittgenstein? I don't know. But as he says in his opening paragraph and close to the end:

"Perhaps this book will be understood only by someone who has himself already had the thoughts that are expressed in it."

"My propositions serve as elucidations in the following way: anyone who understands me eventually recognizes them as nonsensical, when he has used them - as steps - to climb up beyond them. (He must, so to speak, trow away the ladder after he has climbed up it). He must transcend these propositions, and then he will see the world aright."

Later in life Wittgenstein seems to recognize and accept the limitations of language and gives up the ideal of such perfect code in exchange of an ordinary language philosophy. 

What we can all take from Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus is his very last proposition 

"What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence." 

In today's world so many people pretend to be experts that we need more silence, more reflexion, more reason.

Fight Club

The first rule about Fight Club is that you don't talk about Fight Club. The second rule about Fight Club is that you don't talk about Fight Club. Thus, should I write a book review in the first place? 

Usually book lovers agree that books are better than their movie version. Popularized by the 1999 movie featuring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton  Fight Club is not the exception, despite I saw the movie years before reading the book. A recent interview to Chuck Palahniuk reported in Clash Daily brought up my interest in the story but this time I decided to go for the book. The story of a franchise of clandestine fight clubs were otherwise peaceful people vent their frustrations,  Fight Club illustrates what Kierkegaard wrote about Irony.

"Irony is a disciplinarian feared only by those who do not know it, but cherished by those who do. He who does not understand irony and has no ear for its whispering lacks of what might called the absolute beginning of the personal life. He lacks what at moments is indispensable for the personal life, lacks both the regeneration and rejuvenation, the cleaning baptism of irony that redeems the soul from having its life in finitude though living boldly and energetically in finitude". - Soren Kierkegaard

The irony of a life without major risks but no meaning, a life so boring as to join a number of support groups trying to find novelty. The irony that "the first step to eternal life is you have to die".

Palahniuk tells the story between a regular Joe, the narrator, and his alter-ego, Tyler Durden. A permanent conflict between a typical, boring, uneventful lives and what we would like them to be. We find in their relationship with Marla the struggle between a platonic love and a lusty lover. Or the complex contrast between the beautiful and the ugly as in manufacturing an expensive soap out of human fat.

"Our goal is the big red bags of liposuctioned fat we'll haul back to Paper Street and render and mix with lye and rosemary and sell back to the very people who paid to have it sucked out. At twenty bucks a bar, these are the only folks who can afford it."

A constant battle to be different but as the narrator says:

"You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You are the same decaying organic matter as everyone else, and we are all part of the same compost pile."

Fight Club evolves into a larger goal, Project Mayhem, a project so secret that the first rule about Project Mayhem was not to ask questions about Project Mayhem. 

"The goal was to teach each man in the project that he had the power to control history. We, each of us, can take control of the world."

The power to control the world was the power to "complete and rightaway destroy civilization to make something better out of this world".

Palahniuk leaves us with a reflection about our own reality.

We are not special.

We are not crap or trash, either.

We just are.

We just are, and what happens just happens.

How do you find meaning in life? Do you need to destroy in order to be? Can we instead learn from our mistakes and grow creating?

Las Tribus Liberales

Las Tribus Liberales es una narrativa de María Blanco (@Godivaciones) sobre su recorrido liberal visto desde diferentes perspectivas. De una manera creativa María utiliza las figuras de la mitología griega para describir las ideas de la libertad en el mundo actual.

Como sabiamente aclara al inicio "es una perspectiva personal, hablo más de quien conozco más y de quien más me gusta a mí... Mi pretensión no es ser exhaustiva sino dar mi punto de vista honestamente y con toda humildad."

En efecto el libro es casi una conversación con la autora que descubre las bases del liberalismo, las disputas entre liberales, las críticas a los liberales, y en general las esperanza que algún día el ciudadano entienda las diferencias de la libertad individual sobre los chantajes estatistas e irracionales.

El libro se divide en cuatro partes cada una identificada con iconos de la mitología griega. La primera parte, Atenas, explica la origen histórica del liberalismo y sus diferentes variantes. Evolución tanto en el entorno puramente académico como en grupos de pensamiento y sus partidarios.

La segunda parte dedicada a Eris descubre la lucha política entre diferentes actores, muchos de ellos que toman elementos liberales a conveniencia. María critica la defensa pragmática del liberalismo porque primero que nada no tiene un fundamento de ideas sólidas que trasciendan las circunstancias del momento, y por otro lado la realidad desnuda los esfuerzos pragmáticos porque lejos de ganar terreno se ha perdido a costa de la credibilidad de las ideas.

"Están firmemente convencidos de que es mejor ceder a las políticas socialistas a cambio de aplicar alguna medida liberal. En lo que ha derivado esta idea que, en principio, puede parecer sensata, es que se ha cedido tanto a las medidas socialistas a cambio de un tímido soplo de liberalismo en algún aspecto menor, que el remedio ha sido peor que la enfermedad y el mal realizado se ha multiplicado. Por un lado no hay verdaderas medidas políticas liberales, y por otro, de tanto mentar el supuesto liberalismo, la gente de la calle lo identifica con ese híbrido burdo y dañino."

Posteriormente entra a abordar la relación de los liberales con el ciudadano. En esta parte María es crítica de las discusiones académicas, rebuscadas e insensatas. Para la gente en la calle, el debate liberal pasa a ser un espectáculo de gente rara. Para mientras se entregan a las arbitrariedades de los gobiernos.

"Esta creación de una realidad por parte de los medios tiene como resultado la formación de una masa de población conformista e incapacitada, como un niño, un menor de edad que ha de estar representado por un adulto. Así también, nuestra sociedad está tutelada por el Estado."

Finalmente María baja al reino de Hades y rebate algunas de la criticas más comunes, pero no por ello sustentadas, al liberalismo. Desde el favoritismo de los ricos, la liberación de las drogas, el trabajo infantil, y más. Una a una expone los argumentos de los críticos y presenta una defensa basada en principios, distanciada de pragmatismos que no son extraños en otros liberales. 

En resumen, el libro es una texto para la gente que está en medio de este universo caótico de las ideas; entre escuelas, autores, políticos y esperanzas. La gente al final busca vivir mejor, ojalá aportes como este logre que cada día sean más los que entiendan que solo la defensa de la libertad individual provee los medios para ello.

Zen in the Martial Arts

This short book by Joe Hyams is a recollection of stories in his journey as martial artist. Hyams was a Hollywood reporter and writer who started in martial arts in his 30'. He had the opportunity to learn Kempo, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Hapkido, Aikido, from big masters like Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, Bong Soo Han, and Jim Lau.  

Zen in the Martial Arts is not a book about Martial Arts nor a book about Zen philosophy is a story of self discovery, and how their application can help control ones mind to achieve great results in life.

"this is a book from which readers may learn to apply the principles of Zen, as reflected in the martial arts, to their lives and thus open up a potential source of inner strength they may never have dreamt they possessed."

I stumble upon Hyams book looking for a quote by Bruce Lee who was one of the his master teachers. 

"You will never learn anything new unless your are ready to accept yourself with your limitations. You must accept the fact that you are capable, in some directions and limited in others, and you must develop your capabilities"

A conclusion of Zen in the Martial Arts is that you don't need Martial Arts to understand and appreciate Zen teachings about mind and self control, yet not because you practice Martial Arts you will learn Zen. Anyone can master the techniques yet just those willing to think, feel and appreciate the tradition will grasp the millennial teaching of the masters.

"it is possible to master the physical techniques of the martial arts without understanding or absorbing the spiritual and philosophical basis of the arts. On the other hand, it is also possible to apply the spiritual precepts of Zen in the martial arts without involving oneself in the arts."

Powerful inspiring pearls of wisdom like "Seize life at the moment", but not deep in philosophy.

After finishing the book I felt a urge to return to my practice with a different mindset.

My rating 3 stars.

Tao Te Ching

Lao Tsu (also know as Lao Tse or Laozi) was a Chinese philosopher during the 6th Century B.C. Despite some controversy over his existence, his contribution to the Chinese and World Philosophy is undeniable.

The Tao Te Ching, also know as Daodejin, is a book of 81 chapters organized in two books. The name approximate translation is "The Classic of the Virtuous Way". Next to the Bible it is the most translated work of literature. Tao Te Ching is not free of polemic. It is know from copies and chronicles of later writers, and biographers, who tell different stories or arrange the chapters differently. There is even a relevant debate about his influence over Confucius.  Nonetheless this book is a masterpiece of world literature. 

Valuable teachings from The Tao Te Ching are relevant personally, as well as for governments and leaders.

Personally I found lessons of austerity and frugality very though provoking.

But I have three precious things which I prize and hold fast. The first is gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others.

It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil on itself. When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.

The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.

The analogy with water was popularized by Bruce Lee

Another area of wisdom refers to how the world works and evolves. Similar to much later teachings of Michael Polanyi, F.A. Hayek or the different schools of System Dynamics, Lao Tzu explains the value of spontaneous order when he explains that the Tao precedes even the Gods because the constant is change.

The Tao that can be described is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. 

The work is done, but how no one can see; 'Tis this that makes the power not cease to be.

Movement is a necessary condition for change. Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.

However the key lessons relates to government are as relevant today as in the Ancient times. No wonder why Murray Rothbard considered Lao Tzu the first

libertarian. 

Governing a great state is like cooking small fish. 

Therefore a sage has said, 'I will do nothing (of purpose), and the people will be transformed of themselves; I will be fond of keeping still, and the people will of themselves become correct. I will take no trouble about it, and the people will of themselves become rich; I will manifest no ambition, and the people will of themselves attain to the primitive simplicity.'

Therefore he who would administer the kingdom, honouring it as he honours his own person, may be employed to govern it, and he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person may be entrusted with it.

The people suffer from famine because of the multitude of taxes consumed by their superiors. It is through this that they suffer famine. The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). It is through this that they are difficult to govern.

The sage does not accumulate (for himself). The more that he expends for others, the more does he possess of his own; the more that he gives to others, the more does he have himself.

A book worth reading and discussion in a Socratic Dialogue.

My rating four stars.

Symposium room at
Universidad Francisco Marroquín

Fundamentos de la Moral (The foundations of Morality)

The Foundation of Morality (Spanish edition) is a work on Ethics by Henry Hazlitt, better know by his book Economics in One Lesson. This book is a critique to different Ethics schools and the proposal of his system called Cooperatism.

Hazlitt analyses different areas of human life as well as moral schools usually contrasting opposing theories with his personal contribution. His key point is that cooperation is the solution that preserves the interests of the individual and flourishes the society. For Hazlitt cooperation achieves the best for the individual, hence it is in his own interest to cooperate with others. 

social cooperation is the common means by which we all forward each other's purposes as an indirect means of forwarding our own, and help each other to achieve our individual and separate goals and to "maximize" our individual values

Since Hazlitt aims the benefits in terms of the long run, his system gives priority to general rules and not ad-hoc solutions to specific instances. The idea is to judge an action based on its effects in the future. He does not pretend to foresee detail consequences but again general benefits for the individual and the society. The creation of the moral code is rational process that is adaptive and evolutionary following Frederick A. Hayek.

It is no less silly, and far more dangerous, to try to do the same with established moral codes which, like languages, are the product of immemorial social evolution. The improvement or perfection of moral codes, like the improvement or perfection of languages, is to be achieved by piecemeal reforms.

Hazlitt's theory is a form of utilitarianism, indeed some people frame it into rules-utilitarianism of David Hume, the British Utilitarianist he most admires. As utilitarianist, Hazlitt defines morality based on the results.

Is the moral philosophy advocated in these pages "utilitarian" or not? In the sense that all rules of conduct must be judged by their tendency to lead to desirable rather than undesirable social results, any rational ethics whatever must be utilitarian

However he distances from other forms of utilitarianism specially that of Jeremy Bentham because they preserve the apparent dichotomy between the individual and society. Hazlitt's system bridges the distance through Social Cooperation, a concept develop at large by his teacher and friend Ludwing Von Mises.

In brief, each of us, in pursuing his self-interest, finds that he can do it most effectively through social cooperation. The belief that there is a basic conflict between the interests of the individual and the interests of society is untenable. Society is only another name for the combination of individuals for purposeful cooperation.

He makes a lot of parallels between Economics and Morality because the subject of both sciences is the Human Action.

It is commonly assumed that there is little relation between the ethical and the economic point of view, or between Ethics and Economics. But they are, in fact, intimately related. Both are concerned with human action, human conduct, human decision, human choice.

In ethics we are dealing with human action, with human purposes, with human wishes and desires, with human choices and preferences, with the conscious use of means to attain chosen ends. Ethics is not a branch of physics, and the methods appropriate to it are not the experimental, statistical, and empiric methods appropriate to physics. Ethics is sui generic, with methods peculiarly its own. But it is, among other things, based on "praxeology," 

Economics is concerned with the actual valuations that people make; ethics with the valuations they would make if they always had benevolence and foresight and wisdom. It is the function of the ethical philosopher to determine what some of these valuations would be.

Another subject that Hazlitt addresses is the limits of responsibility and duty. He disagrees with the universal view of an universal responsibility to humanity. For him ones responsibility is limited to those closer to oneself. However he sees that in the degree that we all act ethically the circles of responsibility intersect and expand, reaching the whole humanity. This point of view again builds on economics and limited resources. Trying to fix all humanity problems is overwhelming because none has the capacity to do it. However social cooperation is a multiplier of human interactions. By acting morally one gets the personal benefits (a more desired situation than before), helps others do the same, raises the average of standard of morality, and expands the circles of influence.

For the best way to promote this maximum general happiness may be for each individual to cooperate with, and perform his duties toward, his immediate family, neighbors, and associates.

Hazlitt critique to flaw moral theories that support Socialistic systems and his support to freedom and a Capitalism are as relevant today as they were almost a century ago. Despite he was a self-taught economist and philosopher his contribution is no less important than his academic peers. This is a book I need to read again and dig deeper to get all its wisdom. Additional readings of the works he builds on and critiques is also required to appreciate his full value.

My rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Anthem

Anthem is a short dystropian book by Ayn Rand written in 1937-38, during a break from writing "The Fountainhead", portraits a world so lost into a Collectivist utopia that the world "I" has disappeared from  language.

Probably Rand wrote this book as a warning after seeing the deterioration of the foundation of the American Society (Constitution) after the first term of Franklin Roosevelth. According to Amity Shlaes in her book "The Forgotten Man" in the 20's a group of intellectuals, artists, and businessmen became enchanted by the Soviet Revolution. People like Rex Tugwell, Paul Douglas and Sturart Chase among others who were influential in the conceptualization and execution of "The New Deal". The reelection of Roosevelth and the popular support to his recovery programs seemed to be a trigger for Rand to halt Fountainhead and write Anthem. 

The novel describes a restless hero who slowly has rebelled against a systems that decides everything for the people in the name of the will "of our brothers, The State". Although the description of this world is fiction, it is also a grotesque representation of realities and wishes of actual intellectuals and politicians. In Rand's time it was the Soviets and the Nazis, today we know of countries like North Korea where the State chooses even your hair style. The educational systems in most of the countries serve the needs of society and not the individual. Defenders, such as Free Range Kids, of the right of parents to raise their children against the intervention of the state (i.e. Child Protective Services) We read about philosophers like Adam Swift who advocate for removing children from their parents because parenthood is accidental and children belong to society, or news reporter Melissa Harris-Perry who defended the same idea in public TV.

Overall the hero free himself from the oppression of the system and along his beloved partner start a new settlement that defies the City.

"And the day will come when I shall break all the chains of the earth, and raze the cities of the enslaved, and my home will become the capital of the world where each man will be free to exist for his own sake."

Rand explains how the individual broke the slavery chains from gods, from kings, from race but ended surrendering to the collective, to the WE. Overall all forms of dominance people have suffer are to other people. Defiant contenders overtaking incumbents.

"Freedom he ask, from what? There is nothing to take a man's freedom away from him, save other men. To be free, a man must be free of his brothers. That is freedom. That and nothing else."

Some issues can raise philosophical debate under Rand's Objectivism. For instance the hero reverse engineer a light bulb, isn't it a violation of Intellectual Property that she advocates? The hero builds a new city based on the individual, yet he is the one leading and deciding who comes in and who stays out. His voice is triumphant but also authoritarian. He doesn't address how it would become sustainable, Can such authority based on the I be even more dangerous when people surrender their will to think?

In the age of dystropias like Hunger Games, Gone, The Maze Runner, The Giver, Divergent, etc Anthem can be a quick read for teens and young adults to make them think about how far can collectivist minds can go.

Yet some more "meat" in the novel would have made it more appealing. Despite the 6.2 million sold copies I wonder if a longer more elaborated plot would make it more appealing.

My rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Leading with Soul

Leading with Soul is a short book that combines the story of a successful businessman, Steve Camden, and his spiritual coach, Maria, with ideas about meaning and leadership. The combination makes the book entertaining while leaving a clear message.

I got this book as a Christmas present and the day I started reading it I learned about a good friend, a mentor, almost a father, who passed away while I was on Holiday vacations. It made me think about the meaning of life and the purpose of our endless rush.

We have discussed about living a life of meaning but this book made me realized that it is not the same to talk about it, as an spectator in the audience, than taking the time to explore ones soul and find what really gives meaning to life.

Building on Joseph Cambell's hero journey Bolman and Deal present a similar journey to find ones meaning of life. They suggest that we all have four gifts to give: Authorship that comes from the pride of having done something;  Love, compassion and concern for others; Power as the capacity to make a difference, if power corrupts lack of power crushes the soul; and Significance, as the meaning but also the importance. By using this four gifts leaders can drive their organizations to higher levels of performance but more than results to another dimension of social interaction.

Leading with Soul was a timely read, a good book for the beginning of the year, a good book to accept the lost of a good friend, a good book to step down from the sideline and jump in the arena.

Fahrenheit 451

A dystopian novel about a world without books leaves an open ended question. It is amazing how Ray Bradbury's view of the future resembles our reality 60 years later. People walk like zombies attached to mobile devices reading quick summaries of news, books, and tabloids. Entertainment as an escape from reality and a hectic life at 100 mph. No time to stop and be amazed, contemplation is a brain condition. In Bradbury's dystropia control of people's lives didn't start with the government but with indifference of people. Authorities just take advantage of the way people choose to live.

Farenheit 451 is as current as in its post-war era. Due to different reasons. In our era we need to stop to take a break to enjoy the little things of life, to share with one another and live a meaningful life.

While in the process of working this blog, we got the sad news of the departure of the Galaxy Traveler, Ray Bradbury. The Galaxy will not be the same without you.

After the Walfare State

After the Welfare State is a compilation of essays that address the problem with government intervention and assistance in the US and other countries like Italy and Greece that are in a much dire situation today. Besides explaining how it has failed the people, Tom Palmer's selection explain the origin of the Welfare as a control mechanism since the Bismark era.

The last section analyzes different programs and their costs and effects, as well as some evidence that they are not necessary nor sufficient.

The books is oriented to young idealists who are honestly concern with injustice and poorness. Young people who unfortunately believe that the government has a role in alleviating this suffering, yet don't understand how the transfer of wealth is un-ethical and ineffective.

Being collection of essays the book lacks flow but is a good starting point to address this subject. The format allows to organize discussion group that can be enriched with further readings and research.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In defense of Global Capitalism

Johan Norberg's defense of Capitalism is not a new book but brings common sense in times of Thomas Piketty's fifteen minutes of fame. I have not read Piketty yet but all the debate around his work seems to defy evidence of how millions of people are moving out of poverty year after year thanks to practices close to Capitalism than the Marxism that he defends. 

Johan Norberg showed in In Defense of Global Capitalism, over 10 years before Piketty, case after case how solutions based on the respect of private property and classical liberal ideas have improve the lives of people all over the world. Indeed Norberg argues that more could be done if practices like immigration control and imposition of first world practices on third world were stopped. If Developed countries can care for the environment and reduce child labor is because they have achieved greater success, if we want developing countries to do the same we have to pull them quick instead of hold them back with additional burden.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Zero Marginal Cost Society

Interesting question with an ignorant answer.

The first part of The Zero Marginal Cost Society  is quite interesting. Indeed it is intriguing that so many industries are rapidly growing offering free or almost free products and services. How can an economy sustain if this phenomena advances.

More and more people can set their conditions about job and companies, they no longer are job takers and employees for life. Probably this is possible because people in advanced societies don't have to worry about where to live, what to wear, or what to eat. As Maslow and others have suggested once basic needs are covered without uncertainty people can focus more on higher order ones.

So far, Jeremy Rifkin presents an intellectual challenge. Artist giving away their job, free Education in MOOCs, Open Source software, etc.

In the second part Rifkin addresses the causes and obstacles and here I found way too many contradictions, misrepresentation of ideas like Capitalism and biased solutions. For instance Rifkin criticize the patent granted to genome labs and their market drive. Yet later he praises how low cost has ADN sequencing became.

Rifkin calls for the abolition of private property while promotes collaboration. How can someone collaborate in society if that person has nothing to offer, a private asset? For instance he mentions shared spare rooms as an alternative to expensive hotels. How can someone share a room of someone else? Or is someone really collaborating by offering a communal room?

Another subject that Rifkin elaborates is the idea of the Commons. He uses Orstrom's theory but misses the point that the commons need a ground of trust and supervision. How can such model become a world wide system is not answered and seems unbelievable.

As Ludwing Von Mises proved many years ago, Socialism is impossible without the economic calculation, specially on the means of production. In Rifkin's world the private property of means of production disappears. How can production be prioritized, who will give maintenance to the huge capital investments that allow the high productivity needed to achieve near zero marginal cost? how innovation will be sustained? None of these are addressed in the book.

Finally I would say that Rifkin identified how many of the cases he states as outliers are indeed reactions to the burden of government regulations and controls. From medicine, to building, energy, transportation, etc. in most of his cases the adversary is some form of government regulation, privilege, etc. Rifkin acknowledges the evil in government actions. Yet his conclusion is to give more power to governments instead of more private solutions.

In summary Rifkin's ideas can be summarized as "Don't bite the hand that feeds you".

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Delusions of Power

In this book Robert Higgs summarizes his ideas on why we have to challenge the existence of government. One by one he knocks down, as dominoes, the rationalization to preserve government. 

Many people can't imagine a world without government because we were raise, by government, to believe it is a necessary institution. If humans had the creativity to create governments, we have so to create its substitute. Innovation has being restrained by the straw man discourse from governments. Like Dickens' Emperor Clothes we are reluctant to see, and Higgs does a great job in opening our eyes to understand that a world without government (as we know it) is not the same as a world of chaos.

Delusions of Power: New Explorations of the State, War, and Economy is a relevant book in the current political arena where parties keep up with the enchanting promises and people keep up believing in them.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Madmen, Intellectuals, and Academic Scribblers:

Wayne Leighton and Ed Lopez present in Madmen, Intellectuals and Academic Scribblers an interesting interpretation of the dynamic of regulations. Beginning with a clear fast forward history of philosophy they set the ground to present their model. Overall the book builds on Public Choice ideas adding the perspective of the entrepreneur of ideas. Contrary to common belief that ideas change only through crisis and revolutions, Leighton and Lopez explain the role of the Entrepreneurs of Ideas. If institutions are sound there is no need to revolutions, just a dynamic that resembles the spontaneous order in a market of ideas.

Each one of the roles act at different levels in society affecting the probabilities of ideas to win in the market. Each actor adequate the message to a different audience from the one who generate the ideas to the people who vote for them in the democratic game.

The book left me thinking on what was behind the scenes of current policies and regulations, and what new ones are in the making.

The Capitalist Manifesto

I mostly enjoyed Andy Bernstein well supported case in defense of the Creative Minds and the Inventive Period. History has condemned the most productive minds of the XIX century. As humans, they were not perfect but sure were no "Robber Barons". As productive geniuses we should take their example of the only proven way to quickly improve living standards for all. 

The Capitalist Manifesto uses the Inventive Period and its creative minds as an historic framework to explain the philosophical virtues of Capitalism. A typical error that Andy addresses here is the temptation to compare life in the late XVIII to XIX to the present. People didn't have the choice of the down of the Industrial Revolution and today standard of living, their choice was a miserably poor life in the countryside. People migrated because the conditions were much better than their alternative. Current conditions are the result of the accumulation of Capital that started almost three hundred years ago.

Highly recommended book for those in need of arguments to defend freedom from the its enemies.

Law and Revolution

Harold J. Berman thesis presents how the seeds of the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and the Capitalist society were planted in the Middle Ages after the Papal Revolution. By elaborating on the the parallels of different kingdoms after the Papal Revolution he shows in Law and Revolution how they built upon the experience of the establishment of the Church as a State. The rivalry between the Pope and the King, the interrelationship between different kingdoms, and the mobility of people and goods help to spread the systemic view of the Law as a tool for management of societies.

Berman thesis opens a lot of questions. For instance. Is it possible for other traditions to adopt the benefits of the Western Traditions considering that they didn't go through such long and evolutionary process? Is the traditional misconception of the origins of the western tradition a source of conflict with other parts of the world? Is the Legal tradition actually a sound foundation for the construction of better societies instead of the result of other causes like Economic Progress or Political Freedom?

My rating: 4 of 5 stars