Summary Of Anatomy Of The State By Murray Rothbard

Murray Rothbard’s article, “The Anatomy of the State”, provides many theories about how our States rule and wield their power. He believes the States don’t represent the people because most of our actions are involuntary. One example he provides is the treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. Rothbard states that if the people represent the government, then the Jews chose to commit suicide. He believes that the State obtains its revenue through coercion and compulsion. Another belief Rothbard presents is man’s job to use the resources provided to him in order to build a better life, one with a higher standard of living. The only natural way for man to live and make money is to use his mind and energy within the process of production and exchange.
He believes the State stays in power because of the support provided from its citizens, although the act is rarely done out of want. The use of Ideology causes people to believe that the state is good, wise, inevitable, and the best alternative. There is thought to be one group of intellectuals that mold the opinions of society. Fear was placed on anyone that thought differently, or questioned the way they were ruled. Patriotism was also used to convince people that they were the ones being attacked, not the State. Nationalism caused some to defend their rulers, and tradition was used as a weapon. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights were originally created to limit the States rule, but now is seen as a benefit to those in
The press, the pulpit, and the forum all provide us with the information that leaves most with a feeling of astonishment at how some are treated. They show their support by objecting and speaking out in violent surprise. Nock states that many are aware wat’s going on, they just choose to be oblivious. The topic of the States mistreatment of its citizens should be brought up and talked about more. He thinks that Americans should compare themselves to citizens everywhere, and use it as a reference. Nock looks at the State as an anti-social institution that participates in criminal behavior. It started from conquest and confiscation. The only way to take its power away would be through the people. It would become a full time job that would take away from other