The Man versus the State (1885 ed.)

Deenen heavily criticizes classical liberalism and its contradictions, such as valuing both equal rights and allowing for inequality, have led to the failure of liberal societies and large social discontent. Deenen argues against Spencer’s individualism and believes that individualism inherently…

Classic at Law & Liberty) Mingardi explores the changing nature of the term “liberal,” and reminds us that, “At best, scholars often view Spencer as a magnificent dinosaur…this is a mistake.”

Explore this three volume collection of Spencer’s essays which cover political philosophy, sociology, science, and current affairs.

Nozick discusses how any expansion of a minarchist state inherently violates rights, expanding on Spencer’s opposition to centralization.

Hayek’s most famous and impactful work seeks to verify the predictions made by Spencer’s The Man Versus the State through discussing the increasing central planning and statist corruption in democracies, inevitably leading to totalitarianism.

Friedman demonstrates how Spencer’s warnings of the uncontrollable expansion of laws and regulations and the failures of government intervention have harmed personal freedom and economic prosperity in the United States.

Leonard and Roberts discuss the link between progressive state overreach in the economy and infringements upon the rights of minorities such as the eugenics movement.

Bastiat examines the hypocrisy of the state in enforcing laws, emphasizing the predatory nature of an expansionary government Spencer is concerned with.