This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... R. spencer'S little book, The Man versus the State, is the most conspicuous work of recent years in defence of "individualism" and in opposition to the growing tendency of State intervention in matters which the older English economists and Radical politicians held to be best left to private enterprise and unchecked competition.' From its very nature it demands and challenges critical examination. C Mr. Spencer's conception of what the State is appears to me to involve grave philosophical errors, and to be inconsistent with principles which he himself has done more than any one else to popularise. His practical conclusions, coming with the weight of his authority, seem to require refutation on the part of those who seriously believe that Liberal, or at least Radical, politicians are now moving, however slowly, in the right direction. Mr. Spencer is perhaps the most formidable intellectual foe with whom the New Radicalism has to reckon. A strong conviction on these points must excuse the following pages, which might otherwise appear unduly disrespectful to an honoured name. No one who has any interest in philosophy can refuse admiration to an Englishman who has given the energies of his life to philosophical studies, who believes that philosophy must be systematic, and who, although acting up to this belief, has made his countrymen read his books, y But there are some things that demand more respect than distinguished persons--philosophy itself, and the growing sense of a common and public responsibility to diminish the misery of human life. 2. Are Radicals Tories? "Laissez faire" and " Freedom of Contract " used to be Liberal watchwords, but have now been given up or left to the Tories. Mr. Spencer suggests the easy...