As I have skimmed through the articles here, I have always noticed that many of the authors here have a hostile stance towards collectivism.
However, by the contexts of the articles, and the website itself, my impression is that they are referring strictly to collectivistic economics (Where goods are distributed with the intent to benefit the whole), and not the entire life orientation and outlook still held by 70% of the World’s peoples. This I consider my impression, since many of these authors are usually against any centralized planning with the intent of redistribution (aka, socialist models), and give their cases as to why they don’t work, but always restricting it in the context of Economics.
Pretty much. Economic and political collectivism is a problem for most of the people here. We generally accept that people want a better standard of living and such, but we believe that collectivism uses coercion to achieve these goals, and usually fails in attaining those goals.
“collectivistic economics (Where goods are distributed with the intent to benefit the whole)”
Careful. Under free-market “individualist economics”, goods are distributed in such a way that all parts of the whole - all groups - benefit and achieve better results than under a collectivized schemes. So I am uncomfortable with your definition.
Economics is just one subject of the science of human action. Collectivism, as a belief, is harmless. It is one among many ways of thinking about the world and people are free to so think of it in that manner. Collectivism, as it regards dispute resolution (law and security), however, is a repugnant and pernicious superstition. Its effects are all around us. It has resulted in the progressive destruction of every culture it has touched. Western culture will be no exception.
Woopsees Daisees, sorry for stirring uncomfortness in yah. Hahaha
It was the one term I had at the time I posted (perhaps I should have been more careful on the terminology. I had forgotten that free market models with individualist orientation do offer well being for the group or groups out there.
Point taken.
Aahh… clarify me something here. How is Collectivism a repugnant and pernicious superstition in dispute resolution, and what do you mean it’s effects are all around us? And how has it undermined cultures? [:S]
Quite understood ( I am quite impressed how much Misesians here value their individuality). However, don’t you think “coercive” collectivism (For lack of a better term) would be legit if a person was under a contract he/she signed willingly? Would a Misesian accept that level of collectivism (Since it is not coercion when you willingly choose it).
Correct. I have often told statists that if, after an anarchich society has been set up, they wish to subscribe to groups that perform the funcitons which states perform today that they would be free to do so. I don’t give a damn if somthing called “The United States of America” Continues on for the rest of time, just make it stop sending people with guns to people’s doorsteps…
Indeed, I actually believe that mutualist organizations will play a huge an vitalizing role in the free market economy.
Not only that… but the voluntary collectivist societies won’t last, and they never have - but hey, I’m not going to stop the fools [not realizing their means will achieve their ends i.e ignorant of economics] from trying. [:)]
Mmhhh, well, if by the collectivist societies, you refer to the type of egalitarian societies described in the article above, well of course. However, I would disagree on the matter that collectivist societies do last. And truth be told, they have lasted since the smack beginning of recorded history (Collectivist Societies constitute the historical norm for virtually all societies in the past, and still constitute roughly 70% of todays’ societies), both voluntary and involuntary.
Mind you that these collectivist societies are collectivist not by virtue of their means of economic distribution (Free Markets or Regulated Economies can thrive in Collectivist Societies), but by the social outlook they possess.
This statement has no basis in reality, the Monte Cassio monastery has survived since 529 AD thus illustrating the potential longevity of voluntary collectivist societies.
