The Limits of Pure Democracy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book The Limits of Pure Democracy by William Hurrell Mallock, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William Hurrell Mallock ISBN: 9781351480031
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: William Hurrell Mallock
ISBN: 9781351480031
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The 1910s was a decade in which theories of socialism, pacifism, and collectivism flowered. Publicists and playwrights from Sidney Webb to George Bernard Shaw expressed not just belief in "utopianism" but a vigorous assault on the existing political and economic order. Less well known is how a group of Tory thinkers laid the foundations of a conservative counter-attack expressed with equal literary and intellectual brilliance. Foremost among them was W. H. Mallock.

In The Limits of Pure Democracy he argued that the pseudo-populist leaders of the political party system promise everything but deliver only the end of parties as such. For Mallock, what starts with populism ends in dictatorship. The Russian Revolution was simply the historical outcome of utopian socialist visions that were more dedicated to destroying the present system of things than bringing about a revitalized future. Mallock's book explains how the modern free market succeeds through competition in increasing output, broadening occupational opportunities, and multiplying the numbers of skilled professionals. In contrast, welfare schemes serve to deepen poverty by spreading wealth so evenly that incentives to work decline and personal savings are eliminated. These arguments have become commonplace today. But at the time they served as an incendiary reminder that class warfare works in both directions.

Mallock was a remarkably talented writer who made the case against exaggerated expectations, a nascent welfare system, and mass political parties led by oligarchs. But he also offered a case for increasing a regard for work, advancing the cause of education as a method of entering the modern world, and for retaining a sense of religious codes that define the West. Mallock's search for an understanding of popular rule coincided with his appreciation and elucidation of the limitations of the emerging plebiscitarian spirit within democracy. The Limits of Pure Democracy will

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The 1910s was a decade in which theories of socialism, pacifism, and collectivism flowered. Publicists and playwrights from Sidney Webb to George Bernard Shaw expressed not just belief in "utopianism" but a vigorous assault on the existing political and economic order. Less well known is how a group of Tory thinkers laid the foundations of a conservative counter-attack expressed with equal literary and intellectual brilliance. Foremost among them was W. H. Mallock.

In The Limits of Pure Democracy he argued that the pseudo-populist leaders of the political party system promise everything but deliver only the end of parties as such. For Mallock, what starts with populism ends in dictatorship. The Russian Revolution was simply the historical outcome of utopian socialist visions that were more dedicated to destroying the present system of things than bringing about a revitalized future. Mallock's book explains how the modern free market succeeds through competition in increasing output, broadening occupational opportunities, and multiplying the numbers of skilled professionals. In contrast, welfare schemes serve to deepen poverty by spreading wealth so evenly that incentives to work decline and personal savings are eliminated. These arguments have become commonplace today. But at the time they served as an incendiary reminder that class warfare works in both directions.

Mallock was a remarkably talented writer who made the case against exaggerated expectations, a nascent welfare system, and mass political parties led by oligarchs. But he also offered a case for increasing a regard for work, advancing the cause of education as a method of entering the modern world, and for retaining a sense of religious codes that define the West. Mallock's search for an understanding of popular rule coincided with his appreciation and elucidation of the limitations of the emerging plebiscitarian spirit within democracy. The Limits of Pure Democracy will

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Constructing a Sense of Place by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Handbook of Reading Research, Volume II by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book The Flaneur (RLE Social Theory) by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Cinema in Muslim Societies by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Gender and Conflict by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Investigating the Truth by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Essays in the History of Economics by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book The North Atlantic Frontier of Medieval Europe by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book The Uyghur Lobby by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Migration and Security in the Global Age by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Dilemmas of Nuclear Strategy by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book English Words by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Fundamentals of the Chinese Communist Party by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Architecture, Animal, Human by William Hurrell Mallock
Cover of the book Theodor Adorno by William Hurrell Mallock
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy