The only ‘constructive’ idea that I can in all conscience advance, then, is that the individual put his trust in himself, not in power; that he seek to better his understanding and lift his values to a higher and still higher level; that he assume responsibility for his behavior and not shift his responsibility to committees, organizations and, above all, a superpersonal State. Such reforms as are necessary will come of themselves when, or if, men act as intelligent and responsible human beings. There cannot be a ‘good’ society until there are ‘good men.’
Frank Chodorov, One is a Crowd: Reflections of an Individualist (1952)
1 reply on “Frank Chodorov”
“Hen-egg” ideas are dead-end ideas. Because they are fragment, half-ideas. Of course men make society. But also society makes men – spoils or betters. Work on yourself when s/o else is setting the rules of your ‘work’ sucks. In a world ruled by few “if you want to change the world, start from yourself” is an exclusive advice – deceit . They often use it in fake democracies as ours (in Bulgaria).You can shift something to ‘committees’ if it was in your hands. Otherwise you must first take it. So… in THIS world yes, work on yourself but also to get fit to take what belongs to you – your freedom.