Well Worth Reading
Along the Paperback Front: The Henry Regnery Company of Chicago has a line of paperbacks bearing the label, Gateway Editions. Among other items, it contains a modern translation of Machiavelli’s “The Prince.” This sixteenth century work remains a classic statement of the nature of stark political power; political power per se, stripped of the religious, moral, and social considerations which sometimes soften it. Machiavelli’s stance in this book is that of an adviser to one of the petty tyrants of his time. Politics, from this perspective, is the art of obtaining, extending, and perpetuating power; and it is judged by no other standard than its success in this endeavor. The prince is above the law, and beyond morality—except as he can cynically use morality to make his subjects properly submissive. It is redundant to speak of power politics; there is no other kind.
It is good for libertarians to be familiar with Machiavelli’s book, for the political power he writes about is the force they are trying to harness and confine. Like fire, it may be a good servant; but it is a fearful master.
Rise and Fall: It seemed natural a century ago to speak of the progress of mankind onward and upward forever. Not so today. “Worlds which have risen in heroism lie down in fatigue,” writes Jacques Maritain, “for new heroisms and new suffering come in their turn and bring the dawn of a new day.” It has happened before in man’s checkered history; it seems to be happening now.
In The Revolutions of Civilization, Sir Flinders Petrie tells us that “civilization is an intermittent phenomenon.” He outlines eight cycles of civilization in Egypt’s long history, and finds five parallel cycles in the history of Europe. This fascinating volume was first published in 1911, but it hadn’t been easily available for some time when the Foundation for the Study of Cycles reprinted it in 1951, complete with 57 illustrations. There are about 30 copies left at $1.00 each. Write to the Foundation for the Study of Cycles, 680 West End Ave., New York 25, N. Y.
Petrie’s book is number 23 on Gerald Heard’s list of 30 “breakthrough” books; books which present the new outlook in the several fields of thought, the natural world, human nature, history, and the goal of life. Drop a card to THE FREEMAN for a free copy of this list.
The Bricker Amendment: Leading the effort to alert Americans to the dangers of “treaty law” is the prominent lawyer, Frank E. Holman, a past president of the American Bar Association. He has just issued a 28-page pamphlet summarizing achievements to date and bearing the title, 1956—The Year of Victory. Mr. Holman will send single copies free to individuals who write him at the Hoge Building, Seattle 4, Washington; better yet, order from The Argus Press, 71 Columbia St., Seattle 4, at 11¢ per copy for 100 or more.
