Murray N. Rothbard vs. the Philosophers - Ludwig von Mises Institute
Murray N. Rothbard vs. the Philosophers - Ludwig von Mises Institute
Murray N. Rothbard vs. the Philosophers - Ludwig von Mises Institute
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REVIEWS AND COMMENTS BY MURRAY N. ROTHBARD 51<br />
adapt himself to natural conditions. As generations develop,<br />
<strong>the</strong> “fit” or “<strong>the</strong> fittest” survive, and <strong>the</strong> “unfit” die. The<br />
progeny of <strong>the</strong> “fit” are also “fit,” while <strong>the</strong> unfit get no<br />
chance to reproduce. In this way <strong>the</strong> human race supposedly<br />
improves. As Dr. Cutten puts it, “The strong won, <strong>the</strong> weak<br />
lost; <strong>the</strong> strong left progeny, <strong>the</strong> weak died early and childless.<br />
It worked out pretty well too.” 5<br />
The <strong>the</strong>ory waxes ever more lyrical about <strong>the</strong> beauty and<br />
wisdom of this process of “natural selection.” Ah, all-wise,<br />
all-knowing, and benevolent Nature! All Nature’s energies<br />
work toward <strong>the</strong> improvement of <strong>the</strong> human race. Does<br />
Nature seem to be unkind and cruel and opposed to <strong>the</strong><br />
Christian ethic? Nonsense! That is because Nature is truly<br />
benevolent and far sighted; man’s attempts to be kind are<br />
merely examples of his shortsightedness. Hands off! Let<br />
Nature do <strong>the</strong> job, “<strong>the</strong> cleaning and selecting process.”<br />
Let Dr. Cutten continue <strong>the</strong> panegyric:<br />
5 Cutten, “Rugged Individualism,” p. 70.<br />
6 Ibid.<br />
For . . . over a million years . . . old mo<strong>the</strong>r nature<br />
has been experimenting, and has come to <strong>the</strong><br />
undoubted conclusion that rugged individualism is<br />
<strong>the</strong> most successful brand of biped and that <strong>the</strong><br />
rugged individualist is worth saving. She is very<br />
careful of those who lift and very careless of those<br />
who lean. When nature has decided that an individual<br />
is a confirmed leaner, she hurries to get rid<br />
of him forthwith lest he should contaminate <strong>the</strong><br />
race which she is so carefully trying to develop. 6<br />
How did this careful and farseeing selection take place?<br />
Dr. Cutten becomes specific:<br />
Man’s extremity was nature’s opportunity for <strong>the</strong>n<br />
came <strong>the</strong> time of most severe competition. Glacial<br />
periods, famine floods, and o<strong>the</strong>r similar calamities