For a thousand years before Hitler, Germany was an integral part of western civilization. There has been a growth of interest also in German liberalism. This tradition was unduly neglected for decades, especially after what was seen as its ignominious defeat in the later Imperial period. German liberalism was never the equal of, for instance, French liberal thought. Yet upon examination, the political and even intellectual contributions of German authentic liberalism are evident. [Full Article]
Source link: http://archive.mises.org/3496/authentic-german-liberalism-of-the-19th-century/
Authentic German Liberalism of the 19th Century
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I thank Dr. Raico for an insightful and worthwhile article, and in particular for writing “Individualism, natural rights, the universalist ideals of the Enlightenment—these became identified with the hated invaders, who subjugated and humiliated the German people…The lesson that one could reasonably draw from that experience is this: if you wish to spread liberal ideas to foreign peoples, in the long run example and persuasion are much more effective than guns and bombs.”
Force is needed for countering aggression, but virtue unfolds solely by example and suasion.
A thousand years before Hitler the early Holy Roman Emperors had hardly begun civilising the Germans, mostly using rather forcible methods. These remained in vogue among the Teutonic Knights for their continued eastward push for anothe half millennium, and contributed to a tradition among their heirs and successors that was one of the influences on Hitler.
Excellent essay on German classical liberalism. I seem to remember the Bauer brothers (Bruno and Edgar) being active classical liberals, although it may have been their connection with Schmidt (Max Stirner) that I was thinking of.
I did think that he might have discussed some of the cooperativists and single taxers who tended to be anti-state in much of their effors, or Franz Oppenheimer’s legacy, but this is a minor equivocation.
There are a number of quite interesting interrelationships between the French and the German classical liberals which Raico touches upon. Like many modern libertarians, I am pleased to see more discussions and analyses of the great figures of European classical liberalism. I have always thought highly of C-F Volney, Destutt de Tracy and Benjamin Constant. These are great thinkers
Just a thought.
Just Ken
kgregglv@cox.net
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