Books matching: individual rights
81 result(s)
- #1
'Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal' by Ayn Rand is a collection of essays defending capitalism from a moral and practical perspective. The essays cover topics such as the persecution of big business, the causes of war, the student rebellion, and the evils of altruism. The writing style is described as challenging, thought-provoking, and polarizing, presenting Objectivist views on capitalism, conservatism, war, and altruism with logical arguments.
Today’s frantic development in the field of technology has a quality reminiscent of the days preceding the economic crash of 1929: riding on the momentum of the past, on the unacknowledged remnants of... 'For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto' by Murray N. Rothbard delves into Libertarian principles, aiming to lay out a foundation for a Libertarian ideal society. The author presents a comprehensive analysis of various modern issues such as public education, welfare, monetary policy, criminal justice, environmentalism, and war, using rich illustrative examples and clear, consistent logic to make complex ideas easily understandable. Rothbard's writing style is described as well-organized, easy to follow, covering a lot of ground simply, clearly, and coherently. applies Libertarian principles to specific topics in a well-reasoned fashion, providing an eye-opening perspective that challenges mainstream political debates.
The libertarian creed rests upon one central axiom: that no man or group of men may aggress against the person or property of anyone else. This may be called the “nonaggression axiom.” “Aggression” is...Ted Rall's graphic novel, 'Snowden,' delves into the story of Edward Snowden, a whistleblower who exposed the US government's extensive surveillance on its citizens. Rall uses a comic-like presentation with poignant statements to simplify the weighty subject matter, making it engaging and informative. The book highlights Snowden's courage in standing up against government abuses and prompts readers to contemplate the moral dilemmas of complicity with surveillance activities.
- #4
The 'Second Treatise of Government' by John Locke is a seminal work in political philosophy that explores the concept of individual rights, the role of government, and the formation of civil society. Locke argues for limited government with clear laws aimed at protecting life, liberty, and property. The book discusses the necessity of a social contract to establish a structure that controls property rights and self-preservation, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and the consent of the governed in forming a just government. Locke's writing style, though dense and somewhat outdated, delves into the philosophical framework for the existence of individual rights and the principles of a well-structured government.
3. That if his heirs had, there being no law of nature nor positive law of God that determines which is the right heir in all cases that may arise, the right of succession, and consequently of bearing... In the book Eugenics and Other Evils, G. K. Chesterton takes on the eugenists and their immoral and unethical program for human breeding, critiquing both positive and negative eugenics. Through a series of paradoxes, Chesterton condemns the program as immoral and unethical, consistent with his Roman Catholic beliefs. He contrasts the servile state towards servility and advocates for a distributivist state, championing property rights and individual liberty. The book also delves into the social Darwinist views of the capitalist class and their involvement in supporting eugenics.
The root formula of an epoch is always an unwritten law, just as the law that is the first of all laws, that which protects life from the murderer, is written nowhere in the Statute Book. Nevertheless...'The Virtue of Selfishness: A New Concept of Egoism' by Ayn Rand presents a collection of essays on Objectivism and rational selfishness. The writing style is described as thought-provoking and clear, focusing on themes such as ethics, self-interest, and individualism. challenges conventional wisdom on altruism and advocates for living for one's own sake, not sacrificing oneself for others nor sacrificing others for oneself.
“Through centuries of scourges and disasters, brought /about by your code of morality, you have cried that your code had been broken, that the scourges were punishment for breaking it, that men were t...- #7
'Revolt in 2100' by Robert A. Heinlein is a collection of three loosely connected stories set in a future where the United States is under the rule of a theocratic tyranny. The stories explore themes of individual rights, religious liberty, and the consequences of societal conformity. The plot involves characters who rebel against the oppressive government and champion ideals of freedom and personal growth. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-oriented, and showcasing Heinlein's libertarian philosophy.
It was cold on the rampart. I slapped my numbed hands together, then stopped hastily for fear of disturbing the Prophet. My post that night was just outside his personal apartments – a post that I had...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Future History/Heinlein Timeline ) - #8
In 'The Plague Tales' by Ann Benson, the story unfolds in two separate eras, the thirteenth century and the year 2005, intertwining the lives of Alejandro Canches, a young Jewish physician, and Janie Crowe, a forensic archeologist. Alejandro, seeking a fresh start in Avignon, becomes entangled in protecting the family of King Edward III from the bubonic plague. Meanwhile, in modern-day London, Janie discovers a strange microbe that unleashes the plague, leading to a race against time to prevent a catastrophic outbreak. Benson seamlessly blends medieval and future modern settings, creating an engaging narrative that explores themes of pestilence, intrigue, mysticism, and human nature.
Alejandro Canches wiped the beads of sweat off his brow with a muddy arm, leaving a dark smear of dirt across his forehead. The iron shovel standing upright in the pile of dirt beside him was a superb... - #9
'Utilitarianism' by John Stuart Mill is a complex but enlightening exploration of utilitarian philosophy. Mill delves into the foundations of utilitarianism, offering insights beyond just the concept of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. Despite some dense sections, the book serves as a primer on utilitarian principles and their intersections with ideas of justice. Mill's writing, though at times repetitive, is well-crafted and thought-provoking, providing a clear explanation of utilitarianism as a philosophical theory.
There are few circumstances among those which make up the present condition of human knowledge, more unlike what might have been expected, or more significant of the backward state in which speculatio... - #10
In 'Intrusion' by Ken MacLeod, the story unfolds in a near-future Britain where a genetic cure-all pill called 'the Fix' is mandatory for unborn children, leading to a society where personal choices are infringed upon by the nanny state. The book delves into the moral dilemmas faced by protagonist Hope Morrison, who refuses to take 'the Fix' for her unborn child, sparking a chain of events that challenge societal norms and individual rights. Through a blend of dystopian elements and political commentary, MacLeod crafts a narrative that explores themes of surveillance, personal freedom, and the consequences of a well-meaning society gone wrong.