The Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages

Nothing demonstrates the ignorance of the last generation of legal theorists about property than the Supreme Court decision of Kelo v. New London. That this decision could have been made after publication of Bethell's Noblest Triumph is surprising. Bethell does an outstanding job of explaining the history and theories of property in a very readable manner, even though his book is worthy of being required reading for college courses. To avoid the horrible results that Justice O'Conner correctly foresees from Kelo, this book should be required reading for all college students through summer reading programs, if colleges still have such programs.

Honestly, I read this book about a year and a half ago. Since, though, I've reread several sections of it. Bethell gives a fascinating account of the history of market, and not-so-marketlike, ideas. Yes, this book is a polemic of sorts and Bethell provides a few chapters explaining (very well) market theories like the tragedy of the commons and even explaining Marx fairly accurately. So the book DOES have a bias, but the research and statements within are very accurate. The two chapters that stood out to me were one near the beginning, showing us how America originated as a quasi-capitalist system of personal icentive. Second, and most interesting of all, was a full chapter devoted to the entirely strange story of Robert Owen and his New Melody utopia. Long and short, Owen was a millionare turned socialist (notice its only the very rich and very poor that are socialists?) who lost his bankrole on a bizzare utopian scheme, wherein he bought land in the U.S., got volunteers, and lost it all some years later because the workmen turned lazy. The reason I highlight this chapter is because as important as the facts of New Melody are, they are seldom collected in book form (at least not ones in print). Here, Bethell devotes AN ENTIRE CHAPTER to the catastrophe. Buy this book, if only for that. Still, even without that chapter, this book is a goody. Marx and Mill are discussed, the soviet union experiment, even contemporary issues like property and the environment, and intellectual property rights are discussed. Overall, a good book that will get the unconvinced thinking and get the convinced even more convinced. Convinced?

The Noblest Triumph is quite simply one of the most powerful, enjoyable nonfiction books I have read in quite some time. Mr. Bethell's account is exhaustively researched (including tracking the evolution of ideas through multiple printings of some of the classic texts)and presents a forceful case for the primacy of private property and the evolution of property rights through the ages. He demonstrates why many of the freedoms we cherish are either sharply curtailed if not eliminated outright if property rights are not adequately protected. His analysis provides insight into many economic and sociological events which on their surface may appear irrational, but in fact represent the "best" course of action given the lack of property rights.This book should be required reading for anyone who believes that the government (or more properly public ownership) is always or even often the best solution to today's problems. In particular, environmentalists should read Mr. Bethell's thoughts very closely. Mr. Bethell has written a thought-provoking, well researched powerful book that makes what could have been a very boring topic come to life.

This year (1999), I have been reading just about everything written by Ayn Rand of whom I have become a great fan. I read Bethell's book, as I was under the impression (correct, as it turns out) that it would provide further evidence in support of Rand's Objectivist view that each individual should pursue, and have legal protection for the pursuit of, his/her rational self-interest. Objectivism considers it to be human nature, in an important sense, to pursue one's rational self-interest. Pure Capitalism is the system required thereby. Tom Bethell's book is the most important contemporary source providing strong evidence in support of pure capitalism and the need for its legal protection. Rather than repeat many of the same points made by other reviewers of this book, shown here, I simply will endorse all but the 10/3/99 one from Raleigh, North Carolina. I plan to purchase more copies of this book to give out as gifts. To those interested in the past, present, and future of the United States (and the world), this book is a "must read." Too many people mindlessly accept the creeping socialism infecting our nation. So-called "good intentions" are not enough. Too many government policies, programs, and laws involve perverse incentives that result in a worsening of the problems that these policies, programs, and laws were "intended" to resolve. Perhaps socialist-minded people who read this book will begin to think differently. Capitalist-minded people will be heartened by this great book.Donn Weinberg, Esq. * B.A., 1975, George Washington U. (Philosophy) * J.D., 1978, U. of Baltimore Law School

James Bovard comments rightly that no institution in modern society has received as much "intellectual charity" as has the state. With The Noblest Triumph, Tom Bethell helps in a big way to reverse the unfortunate effects of this misbegotten charity. Bethell's book bursts with sound history, first-rate economics, and a subtle and profound philosophical understanding of human society. His is one of the clearest explanations of why the rule of law -- the unbiased application of legal constraints to even the mightiest citizens -- is necessary for freedom and prosperity. Bethell also masterfully lands solid blows against the (sadly widespread) notion that majoritarian democracy is a sound means of making law. Bethell's lesson, in brief, is that a system of decentralized private property rights is far superior to any form of centralized government at ensuring peaceful and productive social relations. While explaining in a variety of ways the role of property rights, The Noblest Triumph is far more than a book about property rights. Read this book and enjoy a first-rate intellectual feast.