The Fragility of Freedom

We live in one of the freest and most prosperous societies in the history of mankind. Do you ever wonder why we are so fortunate? Referencing the work of over fifty great political philosophers and economists, The Fragility of Freedom explores the theory that underpins our systems of liberty, prosperity and justice. It examines how progress has been constrained by the errors of the dominant political ideologies of the twentieth century; how opportunities have been squandered. Instead, it proposes a moral society, based on the principle of subsidiarity, in which individuals take responsibility for themselves and their families, where voluntary organisations thrive, and the State plays a limited role. About the Author: I was born in Geelong, Australia and educated at Geelong College. I studied Civil Engineering at the Gordon Institute of Technology in Geelong, and Melbourne University, graduating in 1966.In 1972 I completed an MBA with distinction at Melbourne University. I have been married to Jill, a school teacher and author, since 1966. We have three sons and three grandchildren. We live in East Melbourne. From 1976 to 2011 I ran a successful consulting business, Fenwick Software which implements commercial systems for business in the manufacturing, distribution, and waste management industries. I have established an employee shareholder scheme and five of my long-term staff now own seventyfive percent; one of them, Greg Galloway, manages the business. My role is chairman. At Melbourne University, I studied Philosophy under the charismatic Father Eric Darcy. I am an alumni of the Cranlana colloquium, a facilitated program, inspired by the Aspen Institute in the USA, designed to promote open and informed, non-partisan dialogue on the philosophical, ethical and social issues central to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable society. My philosophies, were given practical expression in the culture and practices of my consulting business. The culture Fenwick Software is to create the greatest opportunities for the individual member of staff to thrive autonomy, creativity, responsibility and growth within a supportive web of non-hierarchical relationships. By selling the firm to the staff and handing over the management to existing employees I aim to maintain what I have built: my life’s work. In writing about liberty, prosperity and justice my aim is to pass on my experiences to a wider audience and to improve our society for my grandchildren.