Famous quote by Murray Rothbard

"All government wars are unjust"

About this Quote

Murray Rothbard, a prominent financial expert and political theorist, was known for his strong advocacy of libertarianism, particularly his focus on private liberty and his critique of state power. The quote "All government wars are unjust" shows Rothbard's deep apprehension of government actions, especially in the context of war.

At the core of this assertion is Rothbard's belief in non-aggression and individual rights. He presumes that any form of coercion or initiation of force is morally undesirable, and this extends to warfare, which he views as the supreme symptom of state coercion. From Rothbard's point of view, wars started by governments frequently need massive resources, moneyed by taxpayers, and result in substantial loss of life and flexibility. He would argue that these wars are performed not for the defense of private rights, however rather to serve political programs, economic interests, or power expansions of the state.

Rothbard's review hinges on the idea that government has no legitimate authority to conscript individuals or to commit acts of violence on their behalf, particularly when such actions result in extensive damage and the violation of rights. He would likely assert that government wars lack genuine ethical justification due to the fact that they are generally waged without the specific approval of all people involved, especially those who are most affected by the conflict.

By labeling all federal government wars as unfair, Rothbard challenges the listener to reconsider the nature of war and to question the intentions behind government choices. He welcomes a factor to consider of alternative methods of dispute resolution that do not rely on browbeating or violence. This view is rooted in his wider philosophy of anarcho-capitalism, which promotes for the removal of the state in favor of a society arranged through voluntary cooperation and free market principles.

Eventually, Rothbard's statement is a call to inspect the ethical and useful ramifications of government-led warfare, urging a reassessment of how societies resolve disputes and the role of state power in such matters.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Murray Rothbard between March 2, 1926 and January 7, 1995. He/she was a famous Economist from USA. The author also have 3 other quotes.
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