Murray N. Rothbard vs. the Philosophers - Ludwig von Mises Institute

MURRAY N. ROTHBARD VS. THE PHILOSPHERS: UNPUBLISHED WRITINGS
56 ON HAYEK, MISES, STRAUSS, AND POLYANI
of politician-priests who claim the right to coerce people into
adopting the Golden Rule by “social legislation.”
The Rugged Individualist, however, disagrees with all this
and condemns protection of the “unfit” by minimizing struggle.
We all can join in admiring a man who struggles a great
deal and finally overcomes all obstacles to achieve a goal.
But wouldn’t he and everyone be better off if there were
fewer obstacles to begin with? Man progresses not by
doggedly climbing over obstacles but by eliminating them!
This elimination makes the road easier for him and for
those who follow. The sum of human happiness is increased.
Three cheers certainly for the Pilgrim Fathers who struggled
through with no provisions, etc. But wouldn’t they have
been better off if they had had ample provisions? By glorifying
the obstacles, which really are simply impediments to
man’s happiness, the Rugged Individualist has acquired a
peculiarly twisted theory of ethics.
In this sphere there is no final means of scientifically
“proving” that the Christian ethic is better than the “rugged”
ethic. However, it is clear that Dr. Cutten’s dogmatic claim
for a scientific basis for the rugged ethic turns out to be simply
what I consider to be an absurd theory of ethics.
However, I will say that the Rugged Individualist is entitled
to live according to his ethic if he so desires, provided he
does not infringe on my right to live according to the Christian
ethic. (Dr. Cutten unfortunately does not stay within
these limits.) If the statocracy permits individualism to
achieve the humane, comfortable, charitable world in the
future, I will be content to sit in a cozy armchair watching
via television the Rugged Individualist heroically climbing
the Matterhorn. Thus, each according to his taste.
4. The Tyranny of the “Scientific” Eugenist
The Rugged Individualist, however, is unfortunately not
content to remain within the realm of polite discussion. As
with so many other axe grinders, the State is eventually
asked to take a hand, and in this case, it plays a very large