186. CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY with Michael Saylor & Patrick Newman on Murray Rothbard
Sep 19, 2023
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Michael Saylor and Patrick Newman discuss American colonial history, the American revolution, and economic freedom, exploring topics such as power consolidation, property seizing, the corrupting influence of power, land ownership conflicts, Spanish colonization, property rights, the impact of the American Revolution, and the American experiment in political economy.
The combination of superior technology, larger population, and access to land determined the outcome of conflicts and shaped power dynamics in colonial America.
The separation of church and state emerged as a crucial factor in successful political and economic experiments in the British colonies in North America.
Power often corrupts those in authority, as demonstrated by the American colonies' power struggles and abuses once they gained power.
The abundance of land, competition among various political-economic experiments, and natural resource advantages allowed for the rise of the American experiment and the triumph of decentralization and natural rights.
Deep dives
Importance of technology and population in achieving power
Throughout history, the triumph of power is often linked to technological and population advantages. The European colonists in North America had superior technology and a larger population compared to the indigenous tribes, which ultimately led to their displacement. Similarly, in Europe, the British and the Dutch outpowered other nations due to their superior technology and larger populations. The abundance of land in the New World also played a significant role, as it allowed the colonists to thrive and grow their economies. This advantage in technology, population, and access to land determined the outcome of conflicts and shaped the power dynamics of the time.
The influence of religion and governance
Religion has consistently played a crucial role in human history, serving as a system of control, moral account, and indoctrination. Aligning governments with a religious institution has often facilitated the consolidation of power. The alliance between throne and altar, where governments and established religions mutually benefit each other, has been a recurring theme. However, the separation of church and state emerged as a rallying cry during the American Revolution. Colonies that sought to keep religion out of politics tended to have more successful political and economic experiments, compared to those where religion and government were intertwined. The British colonies in North America experienced a market of political-economic ideas, with the more rational and liberal ideas gaining traction due to competition among colonies and the availability of land.
The cycle of power and corruption
Rothbard's book highlights how power often corrupts those in authority. Governments that initially fought for liberty and decentralization often succumbed to abuse once in power. The American colonies themselves demonstrated this cycle, as power struggles, external threats, and internal conflicts led to corruption and abuses of authority. Rothbard also emphasizes how the pursuit of power has shaped human history, with the triumph of more powerful entities over less powerful ones. Whether in the form of currencies, religions, cultures, or governments, power has consistently displaced its weaker competitors.
Lessons from historical experiments and natural law
The American colonies, with their abundance of land and their competition among various political-economic experiments, showcased the importance of technology, governance, and natural benefits in shaping outcomes. The combination of distance from Europe, the isolation from centralized power, and natural resource advantages allowed for the rise of the American experiment. The lessons from history highlighted the merits of decentralization, the separation of church and state, and the triumph of natural rights and natural law. By studying past struggles and successes, we can gain insights into the complexities of power dynamics and the pursuit of liberty.
The Triumph of the Most Powerful Ideologies and Cultures
The podcast discusses how America, as a result of a powerful European culture and ideology, overcame and displaced Native American tribes in a Darwinian crucible of competition. It highlights the influence of powerful ideas, technologies, and currencies like capitalism, which led to the triumph of American civilization. The colonization of America allowed for the implementation of various political and economic experiments, resulting in the emergence of the United States as an advanced and prosperous society.
The Importance of Geography and Energy
The summary emphasizes the significance of geography, particularly the abundant land and resources in America, as key factors in its development. The fertile land, freshwater sources, and favorable climate created an energy-rich environment that facilitated farming, agriculture, and industrial growth. The availability of vast natural resources attracted European colonists who brought with them the ideologies and technologies that eventually led to the triumph of capitalism and the establishment of a powerful and prosperous nation.
The Complexities and Failures of Political Experiments
The podcast highlights how the history of America is shaped by numerous political and economic experiments. While some experiments succeeded, many others failed and resulted in chaos, abuse, or death. The revolution against British rule, for example, raises questions about the ultimate impact of replacing a distant, albeit ineffective, authority with numerous local authorities that tended to be more oppressive. The book also recognizes the conflicts and struggles between the European colonists and the Native American tribes, emphasizing the cultural, technological, and ideological differences that contributed to the displacement of the indigenous cultures.
Michael Saylor has read Murray Rothbard's magnificent history of the USA: Conceived in Liberty, and he is joined by Patrick Newman, Mises Institute Fellow and editor of the fifth volume of Conceived in Liberty, to discuss American colonial history, the American revolution, and economic freedom!
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