CHAPTER XX

Henry David Thoreau

THE SECRETARY of the Thoreau Society reports increasing interest in this famous “ne’er-do-well.” It takes a long time for word-of-mouth advertising to get around, but because that kind of publicity attaches itself to first-class merchandise only, its effectiveness is irresistible. Recognition of Thoreau’s contribution to the philosophy of individualism could not be put off forever.

CHAPTER XXI

How We Came By Socialism

IN THE CENTURY since Marx propounded the theories on which he based the inevitability of the coming of socialism, every one of these theories has been proven fallacious, until now when even the avowed socialists avoid mentioning them. And yet, socialism is with us. It has come not by way of Marx but by methods of which he took no note.

CHAPTER XXII

Taxation Is Robbery

THE Encyclopaedia Britannica defines taxation as “that part of the revenues of a state which is obtained by the compulsory dues and charges upon its subjects.” That is about as concise and accurate as a definition can be; it leaves no room for argument as to what taxation is. In that statement of fact the word “compulsory” looms large, simply because of its ethical content. The quick reaction is to question the “right” of the State to this use of power. What sanction, in morals, does the State adduce for the taking of property?

CHAPTER XXIII

A Fifty-Year Project

ALONG CAME 1950, and the Sunday supplement writers had something new to engage their talents. The achievements of the human race, especially the American branch of it, during the first half of the nineteenth century made good copy. Every accomplishment of note, in science, art, industry and sports, received proper notice. Except one. And that one achievement of the last fifty years is far more important from the long term point of view than anything the newspapers have paid attention to.

CHAPTER XXIV

Our Revolutionary Children

THE FOREGOING CHAPTER, originally written for an organization interested in educational reform, was re-written for Human Events and given a new title: “For Our Children’s Children.” The article attracted considerable attention, and one reader sent me a check for $1,000 to finance the start of these suggested student organizations. Not being temperamentally equipped for organizational work, I did not know what to do about it, and kept the check in my desk for some weeks. I contemplated returning it with thanks.

The Rise and Fall
of Society

Also by Frank Chodorov:

THE INCOME TAX: Root of All Evil

ONE IS A CROWD: Reflections of an Individualist

The Rise and
Fall of Society

An Essay on the Economic Forces
That Underlie Social Institutions

FRANK CHODOROV

THE DEVIN-ADAIR COMPANY
NEW YORK, 1959

Copyright 1959 by Frank Chodorov. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher, The Devin-Adair Company, New York 10, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in connection with a review.

Canadian agents: Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd., Toronto
Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 59-8205
Manufactured in the United States of America