Saturday, August 9, 2008

Freedom, Inequality, Primitivism, and the Division of Labor

Everyone should take the time to read this essay by Murray Rothbard. Though fairly long, no other article makes the case for freedom and the inherently unequal nature of each person's physical and mental endowments as concisely and poignantly, as well as serving to recognize the impact of both on the division of labor. Our current civilization is the product of individuals, using their unique skills and talents, to create new and better things, and any attempt to aggravate the ability of individuals to take advantage of their unique endowments can only serve to frustrate the further extension of the division of labor, while potentially causing an overall reduction in the standard of living for all. And, if the restrictions are especially grievous, a significant portion of the current population could perish. Also, here is Rothbard's brief introduction to the essay.

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