“I devoutly believe,” the philosopher William James said, “in the gradual advent of some sort of socialistic equilibrium.” What does that require of us as citizens? That we feel “conscious of our work as an obligatory service to the state. We should be owned, as soldiers are by the army …” [emphasis in the original]. […]
Wm. James on socialism and slavery Read More »
A new episode of my podcast series, produced by Possibly Correct out of Toronto. Audio: iTunes Stitcher YouTube Topics: Should Christians be socialists, and was C.S. Lewis a socialist? // Mere Christianity‘s themes // Liberal-libertarian principles — free-market economics and property rights, competence to run your own life, self-responsibility, self-respect and dignity for all, universalism
Christian Socialism and C. S. Lewis [Open College series] Read More »
With SFL host Elizabeth Hayes, I discuss socialism’s history, ethics, politics, and economics. The discussion was sponsored by Students for Liberty and The Atlas Society.
Socialism: Impractical and Immoral? Webinar video Read More »
Some data for my class discussions of wealth and poverty: Source.
Famine by social system, 20th century chart Read More »
When Nazi Germany and fascist Italy were defeated, the great historical question was: Will liberalism or socialism prevail in the world? The ensuing mix of cold and hot wars and ideological battles reached their climax in our generation — with the fallout from the Soviet Union’s collapse, the enduring sadness of Cuba, the ongoing mess
Our generation’s question: Liberalism or Fascism or Socialism? Read More »
Yet another reason to despise the Russian experiment in socialism. After the communist revolution, the great composer Sergei Rachmaninoff went into exile, losing his home and other property to the Soviets — along with his publisher and his status in Russia as leading musician of his generation. Starting over in the West was a challenge,
How Rachmaninoff’s composing was hurt by the Soviet Union Read More »
This image (click to enlarge) was taken during a state visit between socialist president Evo Morales of Bolivia and leftish pope Francis of the Vatican. The gift is a crucifix affixed to a sickle and hammer. I’m reminded of these words from my Nietzsche and the Nazis (2010), about the philosopher on Christianity and socialism:
Evo Morales, Pope Francis, and Friedrich Nietzsche Read More »
Should Christians be socialists? Some data points: * Pope Francis delivered a strongly leftist apostolic exhortation, condemning free markets and endorsing some sort of paternalistic egalitarianism.[1] * C. S. Lewis argued in Mere Christianity that “a Christian society would be what we now call Leftist” — its economics would be socialist, no luxuries would be
Pope Francis, C. S. Lewis, and Christian economics Read More »