Anatomy of the State

Ludwig von Mises Institute

About this ebook

Murray Rothbard was known as the state's greatest living enemy, and this is his most succinct and powerful statement on the topic, an exhibit A in how he came to wear that designation proudly. He shows how the state wrecks freedom, destroys civilization, and threatens all lives and property and social well being.

This gives a succinct account of Rothbard’s view of the state. Following Franz Oppenheimer and Albert Jay Nock, Rothbard regards the state as a predatory entity. It does not produce anything but rather steals resources from those engaged in production. In applying this view to American history, Rothbard makes use of the work of John C. Calhoun

How can an organization of this type sustain itself? It must engage in propaganda to induce popular support for its policies. Court intellectuals play a key role here, and Rothbard cites as an example of ideological mystification the work of the influential legal theorist Charles Black, Jr., on the way the Supreme Court has become a revered institution.

Ratings and reviews

For anyone interested in why anarcho-capitalists reject the notion of the State, Rothbard's Anatomy of the State provides you with an overview of an anarcho-capitalist view of the State, and points out/critiques the fallacious attributes that most authors will traditionally concede to the State. It's a quick read that provides you with plenty of unique thoughts that you'll seldom hear elsewhere in political philosophy.

The way this book was described to me, I expected it to have more chapters on what the State is NOT. However, after showing the State is not "us" that was the end of that portion of the book. Would have been more eye-opening if I hadn't read so many books on the same subject before it.

Very quick but most interesting and enlightening read. Do yourself a favor and read it, it may change your understanding of the World for the better.