Introduction to Hoppe's main work

Skybird · 03-11-13, 06:00 PM

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Since in a thread some days ago I mentioned the critical analysis of of democracy (and monarchy) byH.H. Hoppe, and recommended his book, somebody has taken me by the word and picked the book and read it. Obviously he must have read day and night, since he now reported completion in an enthusiastic email to me this late afternoon.

He also asked me about a certain website and whether I knew it. Well, I didn't know it, but when checking it out I found there this full reprint of the introduction of the book, "Democracy - The god that failed". The title is reminding of an earlier book of apostates from communism in the middle of last century, that was entitled as "Communism. The failing god", or close to that.

Hoppe is neither a communist nor a monarchist, to leave no doubt on that. He is anti-state and anti-etatist. Even most libertarians take fire by him, since most libertarians nevertheless defend a remaining basic state as a basis - which Hoppe sees as part of the problem that always must lead to growing injustice, socialism and tyranny.

Hoppe is strongest when on the attack, there his full callibre comes to effect in brilliant and logical analysis that leaves little space for evasion or deflection. Onm his recommended solutions that he sees as most liekly to be able to overcome the desastrous solution, I only follow him fully in his thoughts on"sezession", but his idea of private legislation union and free market in the typical naive understanding of libertarians that simply ignore the excesses shown by free markets, I am hesitent still to agree with him, sinc eI see such a system only work in dimensions of communal organisation that are not bigger than those minimal ciomm unity level diemnsion where maybe, possibly, basic democratic principles could work. So, to me Hoppe is best when running the diagnosis of present failling and desintegration. When it comes to remedies, handle him with care, however. I see many preconxitioons needing to be fulfilled for his ideas to work as advertised. Probably too many as if they could ever work as he intends.

The introduction is interesting due to the brief reflection about recent Western history, and how he indicates that he has a reverse view of the positve nature of the change from monarchy to democracy. To Hoppe, this indicates a phase not of growing civilising of human communities, but growing de-civilising. However, as I said, Hoppe is no monarchist, do not be misled there.

The book is 600 pages in its German edition, with many lengthy footnotes. Esoeciallyx the first two chapters are a bit difficult, sicne they are a bit abstract and theoretical, however, the basic sorting of terms that he explains there is essential to undersdtand his logic and hmotives in the later chapters of the book which usually are easier to read. The chapters are autark essays, which could be taken each for themselves, every essay standing alone, but combining with the others.

Hoppe is close to the Austrian-Mises tradition of economy, but does not share Rothbard'S and Mises'S sympatyh for democracy. He teaches economy and I think politics at the university of Nevada in Las Vegas. He still holds German citizenship.

And yes, he is slaughtering the fat golden cow, and very determinedly so. If you prefer to still dream on of democracy being the best of all bad options, and consider it to be just and lawful - don't touch it then. Your idols are unlikely to survive this lecture. Hoppe is the most uncompromised critic and attacker of the institution of states that I have ever read.

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03-11-13, 06:00 PM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,612 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Introduction to Hoppe's main work Link to Text Since in a thread some days ago I mentioned the critical analysis of of democracy (and monarchy) byH.H. Hoppe, and recommended his book, somebody has taken me by the word and picked the book and read it. Obviously he must have read day and night, since he now reported completion in an enthusiastic email to me this late afternoon. He also asked me about a certain website and whether I knew it. Well, I didn't know it, but when checking it out I found there this full reprint of the introduction of the book, "Democracy - The god that failed". The title is reminding of an earlier book of apostates from communism in the middle of last century, that was entitled as "Communism. The failing god", or close to that. Hoppe is neither a communist nor a monarchist, to leave no doubt on that. He is anti-state and anti-etatist. Even most libertarians take fire by him, since most libertarians nevertheless defend a remaining basic state as a basis - which Hoppe sees as part of the problem that always must lead to growing injustice, socialism and tyranny. Hoppe is strongest when on the attack, there his full callibre comes to effect in brilliant and logical analysis that leaves little space for evasion or deflection. Onm his recommended solutions that he sees as most liekly to be able to overcome the desastrous solution, I only follow him fully in his thoughts on"sezession", but his idea of private legislation union and free market in the typical naive understanding of libertarians that simply ignore the excesses shown by free markets, I am hesitent still to agree with him, sinc eI see such a system only work in dimensions of communal organisation that are not bigger than those minimal ciomm unity level diemnsion where maybe, possibly, basic democratic principles could work. So, to me Hoppe is best when running the diagnosis of present failling and desintegration. When it comes to remedies, handle him with care, however. I see many preconxitioons needing to be fulfilled for his ideas to work as advertised. Probably too many as if they could ever work as he intends. The introduction is interesting due to the brief reflection about recent Western history, and how he indicates that he has a reverse view of the positve nature of the change from monarchy to democracy. To Hoppe, this indicates a phase not of growing civilising of human communities, but growing de-civilising. However, as I said, Hoppe is no monarchist, do not be misled there. The book is 600 pages in its German edition, with many lengthy footnotes. Esoeciallyx the first two chapters are a bit difficult, sicne they are a bit abstract and theoretical, however, the basic sorting of terms that he explains there is essential to undersdtand his logic and hmotives in the later chapters of the book which usually are easier to read. The chapters are autark essays, which could be taken each for themselves, every essay standing alone, but combining with the others. Hoppe is close to the Austrian-Mises tradition of economy, but does not share Rothbard'S and Mises'S sympatyh for democracy. He teaches economy and I think politics at the university of Nevada in Las Vegas. He still holds German citizenship. And yes, he is slaughtering the fat golden cow, and very determinedly so. If you prefer to still dream on of democracy being the best of all bad options, and consider it to be just and lawful - don't touch it then. Your idols are unlikely to survive this lecture. Hoppe is the most uncompromised critic and attacker of the institution of states that I have ever read. LINK LINK 2 __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert. Last edited by Skybird; 03-11-13 at 07:15 PM.