Another review for #bookstr, this time a Hans-Hermann Hoppe classic. Nothing groundbreaking if you’re familiar with libertarian literature but I did particularly enjoy his critique of Conservatism. I’ve long said that Western Liberal Democracy is a choice between Socialists in Red ties and in Blue ties. Hoppe puts real meat on that bone by articulating how the Overton window is constantly dragged left by Progressive ideology, kind of like Yarvin’s idea that “Cthulhu always swims left”, but Hoppe really gets to the nub of it and did so 30 years prior. Thus Conservatives are after a short time left conserving previously progressive ideas as the social consensus moves further and further left as progressive wins become normalised. This is how you end up with a right wing introducing same sex marriage, pursuing net zero goals, or who see no problem with people being taxed 50% and only offer the most marginal changes to the system which all result in more centralised control any way. Also an interesting book if you’ve considered the critique of Libertarianism that pure freedom is at odds with social cohesion which is something I’ve been thinking about a lot more, having seen my own culture completely degraded (not by libertarianism per se but nonetheless), and now living in another culture which is much more coherent and functional. Hoppe is a fantastic writer, his dry German wit and logical constructs are like mainlining Mises after he has been stomped on 😂 I did enjoy this one, and would recommend it more in the primer category for people wanting to understand these concepts.