essays
A Gossipy Interlude: George Eliot, Herbert Spencer, and John Chapman, Part 3
Smith discusses the significant role played by John Chapman in the lives of Herbert Spencer, George Eliot, and G. H. Lewes.
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Excursions
The purpose of these Excursions is to explore the fascinating and complex history of libertarian ideas. Over four decades of reading, writing, and lecturing on the history of libertarianism have taught Smith an important lesson, namely, that the theories of some early libertarian thinkers were sometimes better and more sophisticated than the theories we take for granted today.
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How Well Do You Know Libertarian History?
Smith interrupts his usual series with a 30-question trivia quiz.
essays
Introducing Anarchism & Justice, by Roy A. Childs, Jr., Part 3
George H. Smith tackles several misconceptions about the theory of anarchism—and contrasts it with the condition of anarchy.
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Thomas Jefferson on Public Education, Part 2
Smith explores Thomas Jefferson’s belief in the value of history, and his plan for public universities.
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Thomas Jefferson on Public Education, Part 1
Smith discusses Jefferson’s ideas about education and his plan for a decentralized system of public schools.
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Fingering the King on the Road to Independence
The Coercive Acts led Americans to blame the king for the conspiracy to strip them of their rights and liberties.
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Committees of Correspondence and the Road to American Independence
The story of the American Revolution’s prelude continues with the emergence of Committees of Correspondence among the colonists.
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Was Thomas Jefferson a Plagiarist?
Jefferson drew on a rich intellectual tradition when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. But did he also draw directly from contemporary works?
essays
“That Audacious Document”: Notes on the Declaration of Independence
Smith begins a series of essays on the Declaration of Independence by examining colonial reaction to its list of grievances.