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  • Book cover of An Autobiography : Herbert Spencer
  • Book cover of An Autobiography
  • Book cover of The Principles of Psychology
  • Book cover of The Right to Ignore the State

    Herbert Spencer was an incredible prophet and a magnificent defender of laissez-faire. Among his numerous works is The Man Versus The State, first published in 1884.That book launched one of the most spirited attacks on statism ever written. Heridiculed the idea that government intervention of any kind "will work as it is intendedto work, which it never does." He drew on his tremendous knowledge of history,citing one dramatic case after another of price controls, usury laws, slum clearancelaws, and myriad other laws which, touted as compassionate policies, intensifiedhuman misery. Below is one of his essays that explores the principles of self-government, which Henry David Thoreau defended in his seminal essay, CivilDisobedience

  • Book cover of The Data of Ethics

    Originally published: New York: A.L. Burt Co., 1879. With new introd.

  • Book cover of The Principles of Sociology - Volume 1

    This early work by Herbert Spencer was originally published in 1912 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'The Principles of Sociology - Volume 1.' is a comprehensive work on the key concepts of the subject, including information of primitive man, animal worship, social structures, and much more. Herbert Spencer was born on 27th April 1820, in Derby, England. In 1851 he published 'Social Statics' to great acclaim and his quietly influential 'Principles of Psychology' in 1955. These were followed by numerous works of sociology, psychology, and philosophy, which led him to become a prominent intellectual of his day. He also wrote 'The Developmental Hypothesis' (1852) which described the theory of evolution seven years before Charles Darwin's 'Origin of Species'. He even popularised the term "Evolution" and coined the phrase "Survival of the fittest," but his works did not contain the comprehensive theoretical system that Darwin's did, which is why his theory was not taken seriously at the time. Spencer's most famous idea was that of "Social Darwinism." He saw the process of organic evolution as being analogous to that of society, an idea influenced many intellectuals of the day.

  • Book cover of An Autobiography

    This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

  • Book cover of The Philosophy of Style

    In "The Philosophy of Style," Herbert Spencer delves into the intricate relationship between style and thought, positing that style is not merely a superficial layer of writing but an essential expression of the writer's philosophy. Spencer employs a systematic and analytical literary approach, drawing on evolutionary principles to argue that clarity and coherence in writing are paramount for effective communication. The work is informed by the Victorian context of Spencer's time, where the convergence of science and philosophy had a profound influence on literary theory, leading to a demand for more structured and purposeful writing. His emphasis on economy of expression and adaptability reflects an ongoing dialogue in the literature about the roles of form and function in language usage. Herbert Spencer, a prominent Victorian philosopher and social theorist, was a pivotal figure in the development of sociology and ethics. His background in natural sciences, combined with his interest in human progress and culture, motivated him to explore how language could mirror intellectual efficiency. Spencer's broader philosophical views, notably his advocacy for the survival of the fittest, permeate his analysis of style, revealing his belief in the evolution of literary forms alongside human thought. "The Philosophy of Style" is a must-read for scholars, writers, and students alike seeking to refine their understanding of stylistic choices in literature. Spencer's insights into effective communication and his prescient theories on the interplay between style and substance elevate this work beyond its era, making it relevant for contemporary discussions about writing. Its concise, yet profound examination invites readers to critically engage with their own writing practices, ultimately influencing how they convey ideas.

  • Book cover of First Principles of a New System of Philosophy
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