Conservatism, if You Can Keep It

Fred Siegel's "Revolt Against the Masses" delves into the historical context of the decline of the American meritocracy. Siegel meticulously traces the shift from a society that valued individual achievement and skill to one dominated by identity politics and bureaucratic control. The book highlights how this transformation has led to widespread disillusionment and resentment among those who feel left behind. Siegel's analysis offers a critical perspective on the forces that have shaped modern American society, emphasizing the erosion of traditional values and the rise of a new elite. The book serves as a powerful commentary on the state of American politics and culture, prompting readers to question the prevailing narratives and consider alternative paths forward.

In this book, Leo Strauss argues that there is a firm foundation in reality for the distinction between right and wrong in ethics and politics. He contrasts classical natural right, as expounded by Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Thomas Aquinas, with modern natural right, which began with Thomas Hobbes and was further developed by thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Burke. Strauss critiques modern natural right for leading to historicist relativism and argues that classical natural right is more in line with human nature as political animals. The book is a comprehensive analysis of the intellectual crisis of modernity and the role of philosophy in understanding natural right[1][3][4].

In 'The New Science of Politics,' Eric Voegelin critiques the positivist approach to political science, arguing that it fails to address existential questions and moral values. He advocates for a return to a more holistic understanding of human nature and society, drawing on classical philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. The book is a seminal work in political theory, offering insights into the historical roots of modern political thought and the need for a more comprehensive political science.

In this influential book, Milton Friedman discusses the role of economic capitalism in a liberal society. He argues that economic freedom is a precondition for political freedom and advocates for limited government intervention. The book covers various topics, including the relation between economic and political freedom, the role of government in a free society, monetary policy, international trade arrangements, and the role of government in education. Friedman's work has been highly influential in economic theory and policymaking, and the book has been translated into eighteen languages and sold over half a million copies since its publication in 1962.

In this classic work, Hayek restates the ideals of freedom that he believes have guided the growth of Western civilization. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Value of Freedom,' which provides the philosophical foundation and justification of a free society; 'Freedom and the Law,' which discusses the development of the Rule of Law; and 'Freedom in the Welfare State,' which examines various areas of contemporary policy in light of the principles developed earlier. Hayek argues that liberty is essential for innovation and progress, and he warns against excessive government control and the stifling of spontaneous forces in society. He also explores the balance between individual freedoms and necessary government intervention, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in ensuring individual liberty within a democratic society[1][4][5].

This masterful history by Conrad Black challenges our perception of Canada's past and its role in the world. Spanning from the early inhabitants and explorers to modern times, it vividly recounts Canada's transformation from a colony to a dominion and finally to a country. Black argues that Canada's emergence as a great nation was a remarkable achievement against all odds.

In this book, Alberto Savoia provides a strategic approach to beating market failure by emphasizing rapid experimentation and the use of pretotypes. He offers practical tools and frameworks for validating ideas, including the concept of 'pretotyping' to gauge customer interest before investing substantial resources. The book also addresses psychological and organizational barriers to innovation and provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate its concepts.

Cruising Speed provides an entertaining and insightful look into the fast-paced life of William F. Buckley Jr., a prominent conservative commentator, through a journal covering one week in his life. The book showcases his intellectual engagements and personal reflections during the 1970s.

Written in 1951, God and Man at Yale is a critical examination of Yale University's undergraduate education by William F. Buckley Jr., who had just graduated from the institution. The book argues that Yale's faculty were undermining the university's founding ethos of Christian humanism by promoting atheism, collectivism, and Keynesian economics. Buckley criticized specific courses and professors for their hostility to religion and individualism, suggesting that this was a betrayal of the values held by Yale's alumni. The book is considered a seminal work in the American conservative movement and had a significant impact on Buckley's career and public profile.

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.