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Killjoys Critique of Paternalism: A Must-Read for Lovers of Liberty and Individualism

Harry Cook

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Published in Killjoys: A Critique Of Paternalism

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In today's world, where governments increasingly seek to regulate our lives in the name of our own good, the ideas of Henry Hazlitt, a renowned economist and philosopher, are more relevant than ever.

Killjoys: A Critique of Paternalism

by Pier Paolo Pasolini

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	5633 pages

Hazlitt's classic work, Killjoys Critique of Paternalism, is a powerful indictment of the idea that governments should have the right to interfere in our lives to protect us from ourselves. Hazlitt argues that paternalism is not only morally wrong, but also counterproductive.

Hazlitt begins his book by defining paternalism as "the doctrine that the state has the right to interfere in the lives of individuals in Free Download to protect them from their own folly." He then goes on to argue that this doctrine is based on several mistaken assumptions.

The first assumption is that people are not capable of making their own decisions. Hazlitt argues that this assumption is simply not true. People are capable of making rational decisions about their own lives, even if those decisions are not always in their own best interests.
The second assumption is that the government is always better equipped than individuals to make decisions about what is good for them. Hazlitt argues that this assumption is also false. Governments are often just as fallible as individuals, and they are often more likely to be influenced by special interests.
The third assumption is that paternalistic policies will always have the desired effect. Hazlitt argues that this assumption is also mistaken. Paternalistic policies often have unintended consequences, which can be just as harmful as the original problem that they were intended to solve.

Hazlitt concludes his book by arguing that paternalism is not only morally wrong, but also counterproductive. He believes that the best way to protect people from their own folly is to give them the freedom to make their own decisions. When people are free to make their own mistakes, they learn from them and they become more responsible.

Killjoys Critique of Paternalism is a must-read for anyone who believes in the importance of liberty and individualism. Hazlitt's arguments are clear, concise, and persuasive. He provides a powerful defense of the free market and a compelling indictment of paternalism.

If you are looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions and change your mind about the role of government, then I highly recommend Killjoys Critique of Paternalism.

About the Author

Henry Hazlitt (1894-1993) was an American economist, journalist, and philosopher. He is best known for his work on the free market and his critique of government intervention. Hazlitt was a contributing editor to The New York Times and Newsweek, and he wrote over 20 books, including Economics in One Lesson and The Great Inflation.

Hazlitt was a strong advocate for individual liberty and free markets. He believed that the best way to improve the lives of people is to give them the freedom to make their own decisions. Hazlitt's work has had a profound influence on the development of libertarian thought, and he is considered one of the most important economists of the 20th century.

Killjoys: A Critique of Paternalism

by Pier Paolo Pasolini

5 out of 5