GrowUp.org

The ideas behind GrowUp.org come from many sources, not the least of which are the books listed below.  We highly recommend that you consider reading (if you haven't already) all of these works (like we have). 

While we've attempted to categorize them, be aware that most have significant overlap into other areas.

But since there are so many great books that we may not have read yet, please send your recommendations to books@growup.org so we can get on it (if we haven't already)!

The Wealth of Nations.  Adam Smith (1776)

The foundational economic work on capitalism and the specialization of labor.  Smith advocated what we would call classical liberal capitalism - that if government could abstain from excessive interference with free competition, the "invisible hand" of capitalism would emerge from the competing claims of individual self-interest.

Laborious to read, but important to understand.  Be very thankful some people did as it forms the basis of our economic system and the resulting freedom and wealth that the West enjoys.  Despite the passage of more than two centuries, this critical book still stands as the primary statement on and defense of capitalist economics.

The Federalist Papers -  "Publius" (1788)

The foundational (and anonymous at the time) political work defending the proposed federalism of the new American Constitution.  Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay endeavor to defend and explicate the revolutionary charter that would shape our nation.

A classic political science exposition, it explains the complexities of a constitutional government - its political structure and principles based on the inherent rights of man.  Though they completely missed the ability of the judiciary to usurp power, it would be hard to fault the overall importance of this work.

The Roads to Modernity.  Gertrude Himmelfarb (2004)

Historian Himmelfarb reclaims the enlightenment from historians who have downgraded its importance and from scholars who have given preeminence to France over concurrent movements in England and America.  This was by all accounts an extraordinary time bursting with new ideas about the human condition in the realms of politics, society, and religion.

She convincingly argues that it is the British enlightenment of Smith, Hume, Paine, and Burke that really created the moral and social philosophy (humane, compassionate, and realistic) that still resonates most strongly today, though more in America than Europe.

She categorizes the British (the sociology of virtue), the French (the ideology of reason), and the American (the politics of liberty) and describes how they ushered in modernity - and that the ideas of virtue, reason, and liberty will survive even this "postmodern" age.

The Road to Serfdom.  F.A. Hayek (1944)

A timeless meditation on the relation between individual liberty and government authority.  In the face of mounting pressure on the worlds' governments to follow centralized, socialist policies (and yes, this very much included the United States), Hayek showed that this collectivist idea would lead not to utopia, but to similar horrors as experienced in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

Hayek was a pioneer in monetary theory and the principal proponent of libertarianism in the twentieth century.  Sadly, his message is just as necessary today despite the continued and widespread failures of totalitarian, collectivist regimes.

The True Believer.  Eric Hoffer (1951)

A provocative look into the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements that unfortunately is still relevant today.  Whether these movements are religious, social, or nationalistic, they share certain essential characteristics and certain types of followers.

This former dock worker is an example of how a lack of a formal education is not correlated with a lack of intellect and insight.  One such insight: "For though ours is a godless age, it is the very opposite of irreligious."

The Fatal Conceit.  F.A. Hayek (1988)

Hayek gives the main arguments for the free market with this manifesto on the "errors of socialism."  He argues that socialism has from its origins been mistaken on factual and logical grounds, thus leading to its repeated failures.

He labels as the "fatal conceit" the idea that "man is able to shape the world around him according to his wishes."  This book serves as a brilliant summary of his life's work in refuting socialism and promoting classic liberalism and highlights why he was the ideological mentor of the Reagan "revolution."

A History of the American People.  Paul Johnson (1997)

A long (nearly one thousand pages) but readable survey of over 400 years of American history from an outside fan of our nation.  From colonial and revolutionary America, through democratic and civil war America, to industrial and melting pot America, and finally superpower and what Johnson calls "problem solving, problem creating" America, he challenges much of the present consensus on our history.

This "vivid" and "majestic" work should serve as a compelling antidote to those who regard America with pessimism at best, and disdain at worst.  Johnson reminds us of Shakespeare's admonition to "be not afraid of greatness" and applies it to America, the nation he calls "the best hope for the human race."  

America: The Last Best Hope, Volume I.  William Bennett (2006)

Speaking of best hope, this reasoned, balanced presentation of the American story from the age of discovery to the First World War (i.e. 1492 - 1914).  Bennett counteracts the trend of portraying America in only a negative light with this readable book that looks at both our triumphs and our tragedies with the realization that America is indeed the last, best hope of earth despite its flaws.

Bennett argues for an informed patriotism that appreciates the uniqueness of America, while understanding that there is always more work to do.  A very useful look at our history that hopefully gets some exposure with our future grown ups.

Modern Times.  Paul Johnson (1983)

In this classic world history of the events, ideas, and personalities of the twentieth century, Johnson covers the most murderous, yet most utopian, century in the history of our world in his usual engaging way. 

He highlights the movers and shakers in politics, the military, economics, science, religion, and philosophy around the world from the twenties through the eighties and covers lots of new ground for most of us.  If only most of us would read it.

America: The Last Best Hope, Volume II.  William Bennett (2007)

A reasoned, balanced presentation of the American story from the First World War to the "triumph of freedom" (i.e. 1914 - 1989).  Bennett continues his counter attack on the trend of portraying America in only a negative light with another readable book that looks at both our triumphs and our tragedies with the realization that America is indeed the last, best hope of earth despite its flaws.

Recommended for all those looking for some real perspective on our recent history.

The Party of Death.  Ramesh Ponnuru (2006)

A carefully researched and rigorous defense of life and the dangers posed to it by the current positions of the Democratic Party and its allies.  Forget the provocative title; this work is a thorough, reasoned case for respecting life by a very thoughtful author.

Ponnuru shows how the democrats, the media, and the courts have fostered a disregard for human life and human rights that has had profound negative consequences on a number of fronts that he convincingly details.

War Against the Weak.  Edwin Black (2003)

The chilling story of America's campaign to create a master race through the "science" of eugenics.  Based on selective breeding in order to both raise up the most fit and remove the least, eugenics seemed to many as the perfect application of science to the perceived overpopulation and immigration crises. 

After the horrors of Nazi Germany and the holocaust, the ideas behind this movement stopped being touted openly, but still effectively underlie the thinking behind abortion.

An alarming warning of what is possible when man uses science without ethics, especially as we enter the impending genetic age.

Better for All the World.  Harry Bruinius (2006)

Another disturbing expose on the history of forced sterilization and America's quest for racial purity.  Covers much of the same ground, with special focus on the 1927 Buck v. Bell Supreme Court case that approved the idea that sterilization was a constitutionally valid way for the state to prevent anyone deemed "unfit" from having children.

In his majority opinion, revered liberal judge Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote "It is better for all world if instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime, or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind... Three generations of imbeciles are enough."

With the natural and objective methods of science, and approval of the law, the eugenicists looked to free America from the "hereditary defectives" of the past.  It would be scary enough in theory, but the extent to which America started going down this path, and continues to dabble with its principles, should terrify any real liberal.

The Death of the Grown-Up.  Diana West (2007)

An obvious must read for any supporter of our site (though we'll take credit for the name since we had it first), this is a fascinating history of the invention, and subsequent rule, of the adolescent.  In times past, the requirements of life dictated the need to grow up, and as soon as possible.  The unintended consequence of our increasing prosperity has been the prolonging of, and for many a perpetual, adolescence.  Freed from many of the constraints of real adulthood, why would anyone do something so un-fun as growing up?

This much needed counterattack in the service of Western values and common sense goes a long way in explaining our belief that the fundamental problem in America (and the world) is the refusal to grow up and deal with reality.  Without adults to defend the values of the West (as most clearly exhibited by our American experiment), we are in peril against those that would take advantage of our misguided multiculturalism and moral relativism. 

Liberal Fascism.  Jonah Goldberg (2007)

A very well written history of the parallels between the various forms of fascism and the tenets espoused throughout the progressive movement, from Dewey, Wilson, and FDR to today's democratic party - interestingly (and accurately) abandoning the liberal label for the progressive one.

While many will use their typical level of analysis (by seeing the title and dismissing it), this book is extremely well argued and supported and will hopefully open some eyes of (and permit some honesty from) those on the left should they actually read it.

The claim is not that the left are Nazis (as the claim on the left toward the right is), but that the all encompassing state and socialism of the Nazi's (that's why they called it National Socialism) is more in line with the American left - though ours in American fashion is "friendlier."  A great reminder of what fascism really is - and where it all too often (always?) leads...

The Culture of Disbelief.  Stephen Carter (1993)

In this acclaimed (yet still good) work, Carter shows how American law and politics have trivialized religious devotion.  There has been a shift in our country to view any religious element in public discourse to be not only illegitimate, but also a tool for the radical right to reshape society. 

In the zeal to keep religion from dominating politics, America has constructed political and legal cultures that force the religiously devout to act as if their faith doesn't really matter.  Sound familiar?  Not much has changed in the fifteen years since its publication.

Think a Second Time.  Dennis Prager (1995)

Our favorite reasonable and logical radio host who stresses truth and clarity over agreement writes a series of essays examining various areas of life where we tend to accept the conventional "wisdom."  Prager exhorts us all to think a second time (and if only more of us would).

His explanation of why the belief that people are basically good is not just misguided, but dangerous, and how important it is to not judge the motives of those we disagree with underlie much of the thinking behind GrowUp.org.  The false idea that external forces cause (and excuse) evil (poverty and criminal violence, racism and riots, guns and murder for example) instead of internal values - and that this morality is universal and not relative to the individual (and their race or class) - are also key aspects of what we stand for. 

If you can't read the book, then at least listen to his radio show - it is the best example of a real grown up in the media.  In fact, listen to it anyway!

Slouching Towards Gomorrah.  Robert Bork (1996)

In this penetrating expose of our cultural decline, conservative scholar Judge Bork sounds a sobering alarm to halt the advance of modern (as opposed to classical) liberalism and its twin principles of radical egalitarianism and radical individualism.  

The stressing of equality of outcomes rather than opportunities and the drastic reduction of limits to personal gratification has undermined our culture, our intellect, and our morality.  A persuasive case and great summary of the cultural issues we as a nation face (or don't, but at our peril).

One Nation.  Two Cultures.  Gertrude Himmelfarb (1999)

From a respected historian and cultural critic, this short book examines the division (that cuts across class, racial, ethnic, political, and sexual lines) between those that believe in the tradition of republican virtue and those that prefer what was the counterculture of the 1960's (now, of course, the dominant culture).

A kinder, gentler version of Robert Bork's "Slouching," Himmelfarb explores the place of religion, family, and law in American life and, despite the cultural disorders inherent in any democratic society, concludes that it is a tribute to Americans that we remain "one nation" even as we are divided into "two cultures."

Barbarians Inside the Gates.  Thomas Sowell (1999)

A collection of his provocative essays from the 1990's addressing the many critical issues facing America then (and still now). 

Addressing the social, economic, political, legal, racial, and education "scenes," Sowell combines his usual reason and common sense with actual historical and statistical evidence to challenge the assumptions we are force fed by the cultural and political elites.

Highly recommended, "bite-sized" arguments and important food for thought (some would say things to ponder).

Ready or Not.  Kay Hymowitz (2000)

The other side of the grow up equation - and one cause of the dearth of real grown ups - is that children are increasingly treated as adults (in superficial ways) and this catering to their wishes hurts us, them, and our society.  Hymowitz shows what happens when a culture gives up its traditional mission of handing down its wisdom and moral heritage to the next generation.

Her term "anticulturalism" describes this lack of morals and values transmission to our youth and partially explains the "postmodern postadolescents" who can't seem to grow up.  We wholeheartedly agree.

This challenging book should serve as a wake up call on just how damaging the prevailing attitudes to raising our youth really are.

The War Against Boys.  Christina Hoff Sommers (2000)

In her follow up to how misguided feminists betray women, Sommers describes how they harm our young men too.

As she takes a detailed look at the real effects of our overly feminized culture on our boys, it is the boys who need help.  And not the help they've been getting, but help academically.  They need love, discipline, respect, moral guidance, and understanding instead of penalties for just being boys. 

They (and we) don't need to rescue them from their masculinity.  We just need to understand that there are differences between the sexes.  There is nothing wrong with that - can't we embrace our diversity?

The Ten Things You Can't Say in America.  Larry Elder (2000)

Elder, a libertarian radio host from Los Angeles, takes on the conventional wisdom and topples at least ten sacred cows.  He speaks out against self-defeating and destructive political correctness; the liberal media; the phony health-care crisis; the job-destroying effects of minimum wage laws; the unconstitutional attack against smoking; and the blood on the hands of those who want more and more gun control.

This book tries to set some of the record straight with facts, anecdotes, and common sense - and offers solutions.  The goal is to refocus our energy to face and defeat our dependency-creating government and our personal refusal to accept responsibility for our own lives.  And we can get there if we can overcome the stifling of debate through the political correctness (and in our opinion, lack of maturity) that pervades our society.

The Virtue of Prosperity.  Dinesh D'Souza (2000)

The first in-depth analysis of the spiritual and social crisis that has been spawned by the new economy and new technologies.  From the unique perspective of an immigrant, D'Souza explores the premise of the American dream - that prosperity will better the human condition.  He welcomes the liberation from necessity and drudgery that technology and affluence bring, but with the understanding that they cannot solve the quest for human significance.

This work will surprise readers across the political spectrum with his vision of how we can do well while doing good - how we can harness the power of technology and affluence to promote individual fulfillment and the common good.

A Conflict of Visions.  Thomas Sowell (2002)

In this classic work, Sowell analyzes the consistent pattern found in the enduring political conflicts we have faced and describes the two competing visions that shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power.

The "constrained" vision sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, while the "unconstrained" vision sees human nature as malleable and perfectible.  It is likely news to many that conservatives actually understand the inherent selfishness of man and therefore devise their policies to address that fact as a given (as opposed to an option).

This provides a convincing case that our ethical and policy disputes fundamentally lie on the differences between these two outlooks.

Slander.  Ann Coulter (2002)

The first in her series on liberalism, Coulter brings her biting sarcasm to bear in this well researched book on how the left falsely portrays the people on, and positions of, the right.  While we take some issue with her style, it's hard to argue with the substance of her points (and not laugh along with them).

Lots of thought provoking insights like "Indeed, an attack on America by fanatical Muslims had finally provided liberals with a religion they could respect.  Heretofore liberals deemed voluntary student prayers at high school football games a direct assault on the Constitution.  But it was of urgent importance that Islamic terrorists being held in Guantanamo be free to practice their religion."

Don't love the insults (though nothing compared to what comes from the far left), but this book brings much to ponder.  And we wholeheartedly agree with her statement that "until you can intelligently articulate the other side's position, you are not an adult."

The Death of Right and Wrong.  Tammy Bruce (2003)

The former leftist activist continues her critique of the real goals of her former cohorts.  Bruce witnessed firsthand their attempts to undermine our millennia-old code of morals and values with the aid of our politically biased media and academia.  She shows how the various factions of the left aim to destroy the values that define our civilization.

You'll get tremendous insight into just how much those wholly defined by their sex, sexual orientation, race, and educational credentials need America to change in order to be acceptable to them.

Bruce helps us understand not only the psychology of the left, but also how to stop them from eroding our values completely.  An eye opening work from America's favorite (only?) openly gay, pro-choice, pro-death penalty, gun-owning, Reagan democrat feminist. What a combination.

Treason.  Ann Coulter (2003)

Ann Coulter continues her assault on liberalism with her look at how the left in America has been wrong on every foreign policy issue of the last century.  From the fight against communism to the current war on terrorism, she posits that "liberals have a preternatural gift for always striking a position on the side of treason" and "everyone says liberals love America, too.  No, they don't."

Again, hard to argue with her positions as example after example document the history of the left's influence on foreign policy - and just how mistaken it has been.  She further argues that these failures would be much clearer for not the dominance of the liberal media and academia that routinely recast or ignore any evidence contrary to their leftist positions. 

Liberation's Children.  Kay Hymowitz (2003)

Hymowitz continues her insightful look at how American culture affects, and lets down, our youth.  We continue to empower our children to find their own way, only to create "adults" who can't.  Kind of why GrowUp.org came into existence.

Our unwillingness to provide the foundation that our children need in order to understand our world, as we "empower" them to find their own way, leaves them floundering.  The abdication of our parental and societal responsibility to raise our young with a moral and intellectual order leaves them with a loss of deep connection, civility, and moral clarity, as well as a depleted vision of human possibility and fulfillment. 
 

Godless.  Ann Coulter (2006)

Coulter argues that contrary to many Americans belief that liberals are hostile to all religion, they do have a religion - it's called liberalism, and it is a godless one.

In line with her take no prisoners style, Coulter throws open the doors of the Church of Liberalism, showing us its sacraments (abortion), its holy writ (Roe v. Wade), its martyrs (from Alger Hiss to Mumia Abu-Jamal), its clergy (public school teachers), its churches (government schools), its doctrine of infallibility (as manifest in the "absolute moral authority" of the likes of Cindy Sheehan and Max Cleland), and its cosmology (in which mankind is an inconsequential accident).

Coulter takes on the pretense that liberals are rationalists guided by the ideals of free inquiry and the scientific method by showing their absolute devotion to Darwinism.  Their continuing refusal to admit even the possibility of a God serves as the perfect example - they will brook no challenges to their official religion.

The Content of Our Character.  Shelby Steele (1990)

The provocative bestseller challenging race orthodoxy in America, Steele takes an honest and courageous (sad when being honest takes courage) look at our most enduring and wrenching social dilemma.

The book covers the origins of the conflict in race relations and how social policies designed to lessen racial differences have instead exacerbated them.  The coverage of the Faustian bargain that is affirmative action is especially well argued.

Depressing to see how little progress has been made on any of the items covered since this was first published, and even more so since Dr. King first shared his (and our) dream on which this book was named.

The End of Racism.  Dinesh D'Souza (1995)

A comprehensive inquiry into the history, nature, and ultimate meaning of racism and how, despite our obsessive concern with this seemingly permanent problem, there is still strikingly little agreement about what racism even is, where it comes from, and whether it can be eliminated.

Many race activists preach despair and poison the minds of a younger generation, which in fact displays far less racial consciousness and bigotry than any other in American history.  D'Souza summons profound historical, moral, and practical arguments against the civil rights orthodoxy that holds that “race matters” and therefore we have no choice but to institutionalize race as the basis for identity and public policy.

In what will be news to (unfortunately) far too many, America did not institute racism and slavery and was the first country to actually fight (and win) an internal war (between free men) against its continuation. 

The Diversity Machine.  Frederick Lynch (1997)

This well researched book takes on the diversity movement and the enormous industry behind it.  Lynch exposes the self-righteous, greedy, and ultimately ineffectual underside of the diversity business.  One that has leveraged the fear of lawsuits (and mostly ill-placed guilt of whites) to promote a vision that requires their assistance.

He creates a vivid picture of the successes, contradictions, and authoritarian tendencies of the movement to promote diversity as an inherent good and at all costs.

Why We Fight.  William Bennett (2002)

A short defense of the need to fight anti-Americanism at home and abroad after 9/11.  Bennett provides his usual eloquence and persuasiveness to provide moral clarity on the (poorly coined, but not by him) war on terrorism.

He clearly foresaw that "the temptation will be great to call it a day while we are still in night - disregarding what lies in wait for us if we should falter, belittling how very much depends on us, demeaning the incomparable blessing that will be ours, and our posterity's, if we prevail."

This is not a battle about strength of arms, but of character, mettle, and staying power.

What's so Great about America.  Dinesh D'Souza (2002)

D'Souza argues that in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, American ideals and patriotism should not be things we shy away from by providing the grounds for a solid, well-considered pride in the Western pillars of science, democracy, and capitalism as exhibited in the United States to which he immigrated.  As an "outsider" from India, he defends not an idealized America, but America as it really is.

A great and succinct work that should reach across the political spectrum to explain and defend America's place in the world against its militant critics.

Civilization and its Enemies.  Lee Harris (2004)

A fantastic history of the impact of major events on western civilization and their implications for us today after the wake up call of 9/11.  Harris dissects the West's strong and weak points and draws conclusions (some, very disturbing) about the deep-seated changes that are needed to defeat the ruthless foe the west now faces.

"The very concept of the enemy had been banished from our moral and political vocabulary.  An enemy was just a friend we hadn't done enough for yet.  Or perhaps there had been a misunderstanding, or an oversight on our part - something that we could correct...  The enemy is someone who is willing to die in order to kill you.  And while it is true that the enemy always hates us for a reason, it is his reason, and not ours."

This was the best book (until his next one) on the real peril to Western civilization from Islamic totalitarianism - from a historic and extremely logical perspective.  And the first book that actually had us deferring any others for an immediate reread (just like his next one).

The Suicide of Reason.  Lee Harris (2007)

Harris understands that we are faced with an enemy who seeks not reasoned negotiation but the destruction of the Western way of life and that our continued self-critical multiculturalism only serves to further their cause.  He persuasively argues that the West is singularly ill-equipped to fight a foe that is resistant to any of the normal methods of conflict resolution such as negotiation, economic sanctions, or conventional armed confrontation.

The book explores the logic behind fanatical movements throughout history and offers strategies by which liberal internationalism can defend itself without becoming a mirror of the tribal forces that have declared a new war on the West.

The bottom (sobering) line is that a governing philosophy based on reason, tolerance, consensus and deliberation cannot defend itself against a strategy of ruthless violence without being radically transformed - or worse, destroyed.

The Enemy at Home.  Dinesh D'Souza (2007)

A thought provoking and well written book that explores the connection between the 9/11 attacks on America and the cultural degradation led by America's left.  His contention that the left fosters a decadent and depraved culture (that angers and repulses other societies, especially traditional and religious ones) and promotes an anti-American attitude (that blames America for all the problems of the world) seem hard to dispute.  

While many think those attitudes are correct (and whether they are or not is not the point), the idea that they somehow don't contribute to others' extreme Anti-Americanism is naive.  That the left in America (and the world) is completely oblivious or antagonistic to this line of reasoning shows just how unreasonable they are.  Right or wrong, this has to be a consideration.

Capitalism and Freedom.  Milton Friedman (1962)

So how can we benefit from the promise of government while avoiding the threat it poses to individual freedom?  A concise and classic work on the correlation between economic and political freedom.  The most accomplished American economist of the 20th century provides the definitive statement on why competitive capitalism serves as both a device for achieving economic freedom and a necessary condition for political freedom.

If only more could understand the tradeoff between freedom and government - to this day, we continue to have the most rebellious amongst us supporting an increase in government power.  As if expanding government's role in health care would reduce their interest (and claim) to your healthy living, for example.  Would they ever decide that tattoos, or sun bathing, or sky diving (or pick anything in life provides some health risk) must be outlawed? 

The logic behind health related restrictions (basically that society shares the cost, so therefore must regulate the behavior) can be applied to most anything (especially when it's unpopular).  That should scare you.

Free to Choose.  Milton and Rose Friedman (1979)

A less abstract and more concrete follow on to the aforementioned Capitalism and Freedom.  A more personal statement again inquiring into the relationship between freedom and economics, and how that freedom has been eroded and our affluence undermined through the explosion of laws, regulations, agencies, and spending in Washington.

A careful examination of how good intentions often produce deplorable results when government steps in as the middleman.  Nicely, and presciently, stated by the book's opening quote, from Justice Louis Brandeis in 1928: "Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government's purposes are beneficial.  Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers.  The greater dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding."  

A powerful and persuasive analysis of what has gone wrong in America in the past and what is necessary in the future for our economic health to flourish. 

Myths of Rich & Poor.  Michael Cox and Richard Alm (1999)

Taking on the popular "wisdom" that the rich have gotten richer, the poor poorer, and most of us have barely held on as jobs disappear overseas, Cox and Alm show just how spectacularly wrong this picture is.  Among other things, the authors show how real wealth has skyrocketed so that the poor of today are doing as well or better than ever, how corporate downsizing creates jobs in the long run, and how income mobility is alive and well.

With simple concepts and hard numbers, this book should change the way you think about the American economy.  Very telling that it was in response to the rash of (now forgotten/buried?) 1990's books decrying the sorry state of our economic position (though now we only hear about how great that period was). 

Without understanding the profound success of the American economy, we cannot make intelligent decisions about continuing and preserving that success for the future generations we claim to care so much about. 

In Defense of Global Capitalism.  Johan Norberg (2003)

The libertarian Cato Institute brings us this thoughtful defense of capitalism and globalization from Swede Johan Norberg.  This book is an insightful, detailed refutation of the theories of the anti-globalists. 

Like Hayek and Friedman, Norberg shows just how tightly correlated economic and political freedom really are and this passionate book should be read by those that claim to stand for freedom, but continually attack the free market.

The Vision of the Anointed.  Thomas Sowell (1995)

A devastating critique of the mindset behind our many failed social policies and how they are the logical consequence of the "anointed's" (i.e. the political and intellectual elites) reliance on rhetorical assertion in the face of evidence.  Rather than helping, their politically correct theories and policies have led to disasters in education, crime, family disintegration, and other social pathology.

Sowell's expose of the ideology of the anointed is neatly summarized in his review of the blueprint for all of their crusading movements, no matter the vast differences in the issues: 1) Assert a great danger to all society to which the masses are oblivious; 2) Call for urgent action to avert the impending catastrophe; 3) Call for drastic curtailment by government of the dangerous behavior of the many in response to the prescience of the few; 4) Dismiss disdainfully any contrary arguments as uninformed, irresponsible, or motivated by unworthy purposes.

The Burden of Bad Ideas.  Heather MacDonald (2000)

An in depth "reporters" look at how modern intellectuals have misshaped our society.  MacDonald explores the world of public policy and the entrenchment (in the face of any/all observations to the contrary) of foolish ideas among our elite institutions and their leadership.  She highlights the real world consequences of these ideas and argues that they grow out of a powerful set of values that have governed our public policy for decades, the product of university faculties and a professional elite who are convinced that America is a deeply unjust and racist society.

The impact of these notions is that the poor cannot be held responsible for their own behavior, that government can (and should) assume the role of parents, and that double standards are required to make up for our past transgressions.  

Whether or not their policy prescriptions actually serve to help those intended is less relevant than feeling that they are compassionate and caring.

Nanny State.  David Harsanyi (2007)

The fact that politicians, bureaucrats, and activists long to be our parents is not new.  What is disturbing is the swiftness and degree to which we've allowed them to trample on our free will and liberty - in the name of safety, fairness, equality, sobriety, or health to name just a few. 

The nanny state we find ourselves in is a place where government takes a hyper-interest in micromanaging the welfare of its citizens by attempting to shield us from our own injurious and irrational behavior.  Harsanyi discusses how elected officials, government appointees, interest groups, and the media have damaged our liberty by robbing our free will and creating an unhealthy dependency.  Increasingly there's a regulation, the need to get permission, and the outright banning of ordinary activities that have always been personal and private - the extent of which is astounding and well-documented in this testament to libertarian thinking.  

Obviously this is completely in line with the arguments of this site and our exhortation to grow up - or the nannies will happily continue to expand their roles in all our lives.  

The Tragedy of American Compassion.  Marvin Olasky (1992)

An amazing history of America's attempt to help the less fortunate in our midst.  While some of their problems are exacerbated by poverty, Olasky forces us to confront the fact that they are not caused by it.

The central truth is that human needs have only been answered by other human beings, not by their bureaucracies.  In fact, the original definition of compassion was to actually "suffer with another" and required personal action, as opposed to a feeling that might inspire us to write a check.  The difference is enormous (and the idea that definitions change should scare us - but that's a separate issue).

The false belief, ushered in by the New Deal, that perfection was within our grasp if we simply used government to do more efficiently what private institutions had been doing all along has led to our modern welfare state.  Olasky shows that while we were wrong in that belief, we are equally wrong if we think that since government can't do the job, nobody can.

The White Man's Burden.  William Easterly (2006)

From one of the world's best known development economists, an excoriating attack on the tragic hubris of the West's efforts to combat the tragedy of global poverty - why our efforts and aid have done so much ill and so little good.

Easterly argues that without at least understanding how fifty years and $2.3 trillion in aid has done so little to address the problem, we will never be able to open the door to their road to wealth.  Sadly, the majority of the places in which we've meddled the most are in fact no better off (or are even worse off) than before.

Could it be that the bloated aid bureaucracies and their five year plans work just as poorly in the developing world as they always have everywhere else?  When are we going to learn that the planners and their "big new ideas" fail more often than not, while the searchers looking for the little wins make most of the positive contributions?

The New Thought Police.  Tammy Bruce (2001)

The enigma that is Tammy Bruce rightly invokes the specter of Orwell's 1984 in her expose of powerful left-wing special interest groups and their assault on our rights in the name of "social equality."  Liberty has been turned upside down as the rights of the few restrict the freedom of the many.

Under the guise of improving the quality of life and not hurting people's feelings, we have submitted ourselves to silence.  As we've moved from actions to thoughts being judged, we find ourselves increasingly at the mercy of these new thought police.  There is not one segment of American society that they won't judge (and yet still have the nerve to call their opponents the fascists.)

The Bias Against Guns.  John Lott (2003)

In the follow on to More Guns, Less Crime, Lott takes his case beyond proving how guns make us safer to illustrate how the media bias against guns leads them to bury the truth about guns.  Another well researched and well written book, he shows how some would rather confiscate guns than really fight crime.

Through sound analysis and empirical evidence, Lott gives the reader the ammunition (sorry) to properly show the overridingly positive effects of guns and gun ownership.
 

Breach of Trust.  Tom Coburn (2003)

An insightful and disturbing look at how Congress really works.  The former Congressman (and now current Senator) from Oklahoma details the stealthy and dishonest practices that have become commonplace in the continual struggle for power in Washington.

Dr. Coburn was elected in the hopes of fulfilling the "Contract with America" only to find out just how unresponsive those in power are to change - despite all their platitudes of respecting the wishes of the (little) people.

This book takes you directly into the closed-door conversations with policymakers and sheds new light on the rampant misuse of government funds, pork barrel shenanigans, shameless attempts to buy votes. and the unbelievable ways the system often turns politicians against their own constituents - the basis for the name of the book.

The Tempting of America.  Robert Bork (1990)

The political seduction of the law is the topic of this superb history of the American legal system.  Judge Bork provides a brilliant argument for the wisdom and necessity of interpreting the Constitution according to the "original understanding" of the Founders, and not the current understanding of unelected judges.

Widely hailed, this book illuminates the history of the Supreme Court (and the troubling doctrine of judicial supremacy), and the resulting politization of the law.

Liability.  Peter Huber (1990)

Huber explores the legal revolution and its consequences, describing the transformation of modern tort law and showing how the dramatic increase in liability lawsuits have had an adverse effect on our safety, health, insurance costs, and individual rights.  Other than that, it's not a problem.

Sadly, not much has changed since this work as the assault continues on freedom and responsibility to this day.  Huber calls it the death of contract and, while focusing on the last forty years, reviews the history and the concepts behind tort and contract law.

A clear and colorful expose on the enormous costs we all bear with the vast expansion of liability.

The Death of Common Sense.  Philip Howard (1994)

A tremendously useful look at how law and bureaucracy are suffocating America.  Abandoning our common sense and individual sense of responsibility, we live in terror of the law, in awe of procedure, and at war with one another.

This quick read serves up plenty of examples, synthesizes them, and points to solutions to the mess we have put ourselves in.

First Among Equals.  Kenneth Starr (2002)

Starr focuses on the Supreme Court of Rehnquist and its effect on American life in this well written book.  He argues that despite its deceptively passive nature compared to the Warren Court, it stands just as ready to defy convention. 

As one who argued twenty-five cases before the court as solicitor general and is one of the nation's most distinguished practitioners of constitutional law, he provides an intimate look at the justices and the court who have created their place in the government pantheon as "first among equals."

The Supremacists.  Phyllis Schlafly (2004)

Far from the least dangerous branch, as we noted in our review of The Federalist Papers, the judiciary has become the gravest threat to American democracy with their supreme power over political, social, and economic policy.   Schlafly describes the tyranny of judges and how to stop them in this quick and very thoughtful read.

She shows how judges have rewritten the Constitution, censored acknowledgement of God, redefined marriage, undermined US sovereignty, threatened property rights, promoted pornography, fostered feminism, handicapped law enforcement, invited illegal immigration, interfered with elections, taken over parents' rights, and imposed taxes to name a few.

Schlafly poignantly notes that "there is a huge difference between a judiciary that says what the law is, and a judiciary that insists what it says is the law.  The former is the rule of law; the latter is judicial tyranny."

A Meaningful World.  Benjamin Wiker & Jonathan Witt (2006)

Wiker and Witt show how the arts and sciences reveal the genius of nature with their central claim that the universe is meaningful.  This is really the ultimate issue - is the universe meaningful and purposeful or meaningless and pointless?

This is the best book on a number of fronts to argue for the former.  From literature to mathematics, physics to biology, the authors highlight the depth, elegance, clarity, and pure cleverness of a universe that clearly argues for design.  Would be a useful read for those "open minds" that are so confident in their belief of ultimate meaningless.

Written on the Heart.  J. Budziszewski (1997)

A great survey of the history of natural law from Aristotle to Thomas Aquinas to John Locke and John Stuart Mill.  And a great primer for students and a vigorous argument for scholars.  It also takes up contemporary philosophy, theology, and political science that run against the intimidating tide of advanced pluralism that finds natural law so difficult to tolerate.

Budziszewski achieves his aim of displaying the subtlety, richness, and intellectual surprise of the natural law tradition.  A must read for intelligent Christians and their atheist critics (much like the previous book).

The Revenge of Conscience.  J. Budziszewski (1999)

Showing how the suppression of our knowledge of right and wrong corrupts our conscience and accelerates social collapse, Budziszewski argues that the resulting "depraved" conscience grasps at the illusion of "moral neutrality" - the absurd notion that men can live together without a shared understanding of how things are.  After evaluating the political devices, including the American Constitution, by which men have tried in the past to work around the effects of original sin, he discusses the pitfalls of contemporary liberalism and conservatism. 

As a former nihilist, the author brings his experience in evasions and willful self-deception to this brilliant and timely critique of secular political attempts to provide a satisfactory notion of human good.

A Refutation of Moral Relativism.  Peter Kreeft (1999)

Kreeft takes on moral relativism as the critical issue facing our civilization - History knows not one successful society which repudiated moral absolutes.

In his unique writing style, Kreeft sets the stage for his points through an interview between a black feminist and Muslim fundamentalist in this readable and engaging book. 

The Victory of Reason.  Rodney Stark (2005)

Stark takes on conventional wisdom that the triumph of the West was due to superior geography, commerce, and technology (and the overcoming of religious barriers to progress) to show that faith in reason, rooted in Christianity's commitment to rational theology, made all these developments possible.

This sweeping, multifaceted survey takes readers from the Old World to the present, overturning not only centuries of prejudiced scholarship, but the antireligious bias of our own time to show how Christianity led to freedom, capitalism, and Western success.  Stark proves that what we most admire about our world, scientific progress, democratic rule, and free commerce is largely due to Christianity.

Another well written and clearly argued book from one of our favorite authors on religion, economics, and history.

For the Glory of God.  Rodney Stark (2003)

In this earlier work, Stark shows how monotheism in general and Christianity in particular led to reformations, science, witch-hunts, and the end of slavery.  Whether we like it or not, people acting for the glory of God have formed our modern culture.

Stark goes into the detailed history of each to show how the belief in the One God resulted in the Protestant Reformation, the rise of modern science, the European witch-hunts, and the Western abolition of slavery.  In the process, he explains why Christian and Islamic images of God have yielded such different cultural results.

True Tolerance.  J. Budziszewski (1992)

Professor Budziszewski explores the meaning of tolerance in a liberal society and the necessity of judgment.  The redefinition of tolerance as ethical neutrality has created an extreme relativism as we refuse to judge among competing views of goods and evils with the result being a crisis in law, politics, education, and other areas of public life. 

In this well argued work, he attempts to reverse the self-destruction of modern liberalism by showing that true tolerance is not only consistent with taking stands about objective goods and evils, but actually requires us doing so.

Falsely understood as ethical neutrality, tolerance has the paradoxical effect of crippling policy choice by divesting it of the moral and practical framework on which it depends.  By painstakingly and exhaustively dissecting each of the many neutralist arguments, he demonstrates that real neutrality is logically impossible - confronted by alternative views, the neutralist at best obscures his own underlying judgments, and at worst abandons all possible defense against fanatics who oppose both true equality and true tolerance.

Moral Darwinism.  Benjamin Wiker (2002)

By tracing the historical roots of the current culture war, Wiker shows how we became hedonists by focusing on two key figures - the long forgotten Epicurus, and the household name Charles Darwin.  This book shows that Epicurus set in motion an intellectual movement that Charles Darwin brought to completion.

Safe to say that most of us have not contemplated Epicurus and why he argued for pleasure being humanity's chief good.  The fact that he backed into his conclusion out of an extreme aversion to any God that might impinge on the good life with moral accountability and judgment is long forgotten.  With that removal, he crafted his theory of nature and materialism.

Darwinism is not only the most recent incarnation of Epicurean philosophy, but also the most potent formulation due to the purported scientific justification it brings.  Wiker argues that the motivation behind Darwinism today (much like Epicureanism before it) is its alternative moral and metaphysical vision rather than the promotion of science.

A great exploration of the history of the great divide - either blind natural forces created our world/universe or some transcendent purposive intelligence did.

Psychology as Religion (2nd Edition).  Paul Vitz (1994)

This second edition takes into account the vast number of changes in the field of psychology since the original 1977 text, Vitz's pioneering critique of selfism.  Psychology has become a religion in and of itself - a secular cult of self.

Vitz examines psychology through scientific, philosophical, ethical, economic, social, and religious aspects and condemns the self-worshipping, narcissistic, and destructive character of modern psychology.

Brave New World.  Aldous Huxley (1932)

A horrifying look at a future devoid of real humanity, where government genetically breeds, conditions, and pharmaceutically anesthetizes the population to serve the ruling order.  Huxley's treatment of this breeding process should give extreme pause to all who clamor for science (and government) to solve the accident of birth - sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.  The idea that government could subdue the masses through freely encouraged drug use and sexual release seems dangerously plausible in today's feel good society.  
     
As opposed to Orwell's subsequent work, Huxley firmly believed that the real danger lay in a government that creates an environment where the masses love their servitude, instead of one where they have to be "flogged and kicked into obedience."

1984.  George Orwell (1949)

The more famous "negative utopian" vision, Orwell provides much food for thought on the ultimate police state where privacy doesn't exist and force is used to keep all in line.  His view resembles the Stalin model of totalitarian dictatorships, while Huxley highlights a more likely danger for the industrialized Western world.  Both depict the completely bureaucratized society, in which man is a number and loses all sense of individuality.

While most recall and refer to the "big brother" aspects of 1984, less appreciated but perhaps even more disturbing (and relevant?) is the "memory hole," where the powers that be extinguish the real past in order to promote their preference for the past in order to help their goals for the future.  There is a strong argument to be made that we should fear this collective memory loss more than any brutal oppression - though neither of course is welcome.  

Animal Farm.  George Orwell (1946)

A simpler and more direct attack on socialism and totalitarianism in the guise of a "fairy story."  With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, the farm animals set out to create their own paradise of progress, justice, and equality after their revolt against their "oppressive" farmer/master.

Unfortunately, much like people, some animals claim that they are "more equal" than others.  Orwell's short fantasy goes a long way in describing the inherent fallacy of socialism - where each is accorded his needs without regard to his efforts.

Atlas Shrugged.  Ayn Rand (1957)

The most famous of Ayn Rand's works was initially going to be known as "The Strike" since its premise was what would happen to the industrialized world if those that really drove progress were fed up to the point of quitting.  The results weren't pretty, and as Rand so poignantly (and brutally) wrote:
 
"You propose to establish a social order based on the following tenets: that you're incompetent to run your own life, but competent to run the lives of others - that you're unfit to exist in freedom, but fit to become an omnipotent ruler - that you're unable to earn your living by the use of your own intelligence, but able to judge politicians and to vote them into jobs of total power over arts you have never seen, over sciences you have never studied, over achievements of which you have no knowledge, over the gigantic industries where you, by our own definition of your capacity, would be unable successfully to fill the job of assistant greaser."  Ouch.  Well said.

While we fall short of her ultra-libertarian, "objectivist" world view, we do really appreciate the numerous well argued points within this lengthy, but entertaining, story.

Parliament of Whores.  P.J. O'Rourke (1991)

As this lone humorist attempts to explain the entire US Government, you'll learn how "Democrats are... the party that says government can make you richer, smarter, taller, and get the chickweed out of your lawn.  (While) Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work, and then they get elected and prove it."

This classic in understanding the workings of the American political system details how "it is a popular delusion that the government wastes vast amounts of money through inefficiency and sloth.  (Since) enormous effort and elaborate planning are required to waste this much money."  A great read that leaves no sacred cow unskewered.

All the Trouble in the World.  P.J. O'Rourke (1995)

O'Rourke takes on overpopulation, famine, ecological disaster, ethnic hatred, plague, and poverty with his usual aplomb.  While not just looking for the answers, he takes a step back to ask what the real questions are.  For instance, if government regulation is the answer to pollution, why are the most government regulated countries also the most polluted?  And check out his review of the early global warming thriller that is Al Gore's "Earth in the Balance."

A foreign affairs/global issues version of, and perfect complement to, the aforementioned "Parliament of Whores." 

On the Wealth of Nations.  P.J. O'Rourke (2007)

In this hilarious and insightful examination of Adam Smith's unhilarious and insightful work, which even intellectuals should be able to understand, P.J. shows us how the division of labor, freedom of trade, and pursuit of self-interest are not only vital to the welfare of mankind, they're funny too.

"It's as if Smith, having proved that we can all have more money, then went on to prove that money doesn't buy happiness.  And it doesn't.  It rents it."  And our favorite, which should be obvious to all... "Since problems are the only excuse for government, solving them is out of the question."

Obviously many important and serious works in our list above, but there is sometimes no substitute for PJ's combination of style and substance.