A fascinating look at the history of the uniquely American political philosophy of Libertarianism, Radicals for Capitalism is a richly rewarding book on the beginnings of the Libertarian movement and some of its founding members and supporters. Brian Doherty does an excellent job in writing a compelling history of the Libertarian movement.
For anyone with an interest in small government politics this book is not only informative but entertaining. While most people captivated by the Libertarian movement have only a cursory knowledge of its beginnings, reading this book will flesh out your knowledge in an engaging and informative way. Ayn Rand? Everyone has heard of her, but how about Isabel Paterson and Rose Wilder Lane? All three women can be said to have lain the roots for the libertarian movement of today.
All three published important works in 1943, pre-dating Hayeks Road to Serfdom and other seminal Libertarian works. Rands The Fountainhead, Lanes The Discovery of Freedom and Patersons The God of the Machine were all put out in 1943 birthing many important ideas of the Libertarian movement. Explaining Americas exceptionalism, defending the greatness of the founding documents and espousing on the importance of individual liberties these women are of great importance to anyone interested liberty and freedom. While Paterson and Lanes books are difficult to find, they can be located with a little digging, Laissez- Faire books would be a good place to start.
Ayn Rands books are available just about everywhere. Covering the well known like F.A. Hayek and the less known but influential (within the movement) like Murray Rothbrand this book has all the bases covered. The chapter "Goldwater, The Objectivist Crack-up, and Hippies of the Right" had some laugh out loud moments. Covering the Austrian School of Economics and the Chicago School this book explains sometimes mundane and complex subjects in an interesting and understandable manner. Milton Freidman is well covered and as one of the most popular Libertarians besides Ayn Rand.
Showing posts with label sociology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sociology. Show all posts
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Evolution Revolution: The Importance of Self-Observation
In the 1970's Werner Erhard's seminars were intended to bring individuals from self-awareness to Self-Awareness: eliminating the identification with ego in daily life. For me, there was one concept that made a deep impression, and one exercise that I have used successfully on both self and others.
The concept states that the primary function of what we call the 'mind' is to perpetuate its own existence.
Believing itself to be real and not a mere shadow of Reality, the mind fears its annihilation will mean death. It cannot understand that the dissolution of the unreal will reveal what is Real.
Thus, spiritual practice (without the self-observation that facilitates the dissolution of the false identity) only serves to intensify this phenomenon, as the mind, believing it 'knows' something, now shows up as spiritual ego -- a much more insidious creature. One has convinced oneself that one is now a 'spiritual' being -- and while there might be the intellectual understanding of something greater, and the ability to talk the talk, the walk is often lacking, as the false self-identification is still running the show.
The exercise -- based on the principle 'what one resists persists' -- is a simple one utilized to eliminate a headache. With the eyes closed, one focuses attention on the headache, (perceiving location, size and color), which then dissolves in the Light of that unwavering attention. (While I've found this exercise to work in most instances some people are exceptionally resistant and prefer to hold on to their resistance and their pain.)
That act, of looking at the pain in one's head unflinchingly, is similar to the exercise of self-observation. By the diligent practice of observing one's thoughts, speaking and behavior, one begins the process of separating oneself from the misguided identification with the ego.
As this separation begins to occur, a space is created that allows the Self to arise; bringing the Awareness that is its essential Nature. This Awareness, the presence of Consciousness, is expanding itself on the planet via the Evolution Revolution. What is most remarkable is that it is happening in ordinary people -- those without great investment in self -- the so-called meek.
Accompanying the presence of Consciousness are Love and Compassion, and a sensitivity to one's environment. One notices both the flock of birds wheeling in the sky, and the person in one's vicinity who might need a helping hand or a kind word. One recognizes one's own Self everywhere, and experiences the Oneness that is the Truth of existence.
As one Master says: True spiritual life is that which teaches Unity or Oneness, and makes us selfless and full of Love.
The concept states that the primary function of what we call the 'mind' is to perpetuate its own existence.
Believing itself to be real and not a mere shadow of Reality, the mind fears its annihilation will mean death. It cannot understand that the dissolution of the unreal will reveal what is Real.
Thus, spiritual practice (without the self-observation that facilitates the dissolution of the false identity) only serves to intensify this phenomenon, as the mind, believing it 'knows' something, now shows up as spiritual ego -- a much more insidious creature. One has convinced oneself that one is now a 'spiritual' being -- and while there might be the intellectual understanding of something greater, and the ability to talk the talk, the walk is often lacking, as the false self-identification is still running the show.
The exercise -- based on the principle 'what one resists persists' -- is a simple one utilized to eliminate a headache. With the eyes closed, one focuses attention on the headache, (perceiving location, size and color), which then dissolves in the Light of that unwavering attention. (While I've found this exercise to work in most instances some people are exceptionally resistant and prefer to hold on to their resistance and their pain.)
That act, of looking at the pain in one's head unflinchingly, is similar to the exercise of self-observation. By the diligent practice of observing one's thoughts, speaking and behavior, one begins the process of separating oneself from the misguided identification with the ego.
As this separation begins to occur, a space is created that allows the Self to arise; bringing the Awareness that is its essential Nature. This Awareness, the presence of Consciousness, is expanding itself on the planet via the Evolution Revolution. What is most remarkable is that it is happening in ordinary people -- those without great investment in self -- the so-called meek.
Accompanying the presence of Consciousness are Love and Compassion, and a sensitivity to one's environment. One notices both the flock of birds wheeling in the sky, and the person in one's vicinity who might need a helping hand or a kind word. One recognizes one's own Self everywhere, and experiences the Oneness that is the Truth of existence.
As one Master says: True spiritual life is that which teaches Unity or Oneness, and makes us selfless and full of Love.
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