Mises Institute On Resisting Evil
Nov 12, 2025
The discussion centers on resisting rising collectivism and the need to fight against societal evils. Rothbard challenges the notion that defeat equates to the end of struggle and critiques activists who become co-opted into the establishment. He warns against the dangers of retreatist movements that isolate from real-world issues. Emphasizing engagement over withdrawal, he argues for defending liberty actively and asserts that both sellouts and retreatists ultimately abandon the cause. The talk encourages decisive action against tyranny and promotes societal commitment.
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Moral Duty To Resist Modern Collectivism
- A rising tide of collectivism, socialism, egalitarianism, and nihilism constitutes a pervasive moral evil in the century discussed.
- Recognizing that evil creates a compelling moral duty to fight is central to maintaining commitment.
Why 'Hopelessness' Is A Poor Excuse
- Declaring a cause hopeless doesn't justify abandoning the fight because delaying defeat still has value.
- Fighting can postpone the inevitable, harass the enemy, and sometimes lead to unexpected victory.
The Washington Sellout Pattern
- New radicals often sell out after entering Washington, getting enmeshed in cocktail parties and beltway marginalia.
- They shift focus to trivial votes and cushy positions, becoming indistinguishable from their former enemies.
