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Is American Rugged Individualism Dead or Alive? This book explores the historical context and future prospects of American rugged individualism in the face of evolving political and economic landscapes.David Davenport and Gordon Lloyd trace the path of rugged individualism from the Declaration of Independence to today, examining periods of thriving and decline. They analyze the impact of government policies, from the New Deal to the Reagan Revolution, on individual liberty and equality of opportunity. The authors delve into the philosophical underpinnings of individualism, drawing on insights from Tocqueville, Hoover, and contemporary thinkers.
This insightful examination is for political science scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a balanced perspective on American identity.
- Understand the historical roots of American individualism.
- Analyze the tension between individual liberty and government intervention.
- Explore the future of individualism in a changing society.
Davenport and Lloyd offer a thought-provoking analysis of a core American value, urging a reawakening to its importance in the 21st century.
About the author
David Davenport is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He previously served as president of Pepperdine University, where he was also a professor of law and public policy.
Gordon Lloyd is a senior fellow at the Ashbrook Center and the Dockson Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He also serves on the National Advisory Council for the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center.
Summary
Today, American “rugged individualism” is in a fight for its life on two battlegrounds: in the policy realm and in the intellectual world of ideas that may lead to new policies. In this book, the authors look at the political context in which rugged individualism flourishes or declines and offer a balanced assessment of its future prospects.
