Albert J. Nock
Albert J. Nock
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Albert Jay Nock was an American writer, literary critic, and anarchist philosopher. He is commonly known by his initials, AJN.
Birth and Death Dates
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Albert Jay Nock was born on August 13, 1870, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and passed away on April 24, 1945.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession:
Writer
Literary critic
Anarchist philosopherEarly Life and Background
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Albert Jay Nock was born into a wealthy family in Philadelphia. His early life was marked by privilege and exposure to the arts, which would later influence his writing and philosophical views. Nock's father, John A. Nock, was a successful businessman and inventor who patented several innovative products. The younger Nock grew up surrounded by literature and art, developing a keen interest in philosophy and politics from an early age.
Major Accomplishments
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Nock's life's work is characterized by his commitment to anarchism, individualism, and intellectual honesty. He was a prolific writer, penning numerous articles, essays, and books on topics ranging from literature to politics. Some of his most notable contributions include:
His influential essay "On Doing the Right Thing" (1928), which argues that individuals should prioritize personal integrity over social conformity.
His critique of government education in "A Journey into Rumbul" (1946), a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of individualism and rebellion against authority.Notable Works or Actions
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Nock's writing often blurred the lines between literary criticism, philosophy, and politics. Some notable works include:
Anarchist Essays (1925) - A collection of essays on anarchism, pacifism, and social reform.
Our Enemy, the State (1939) - A treatise on the dangers of government control and the importance of individual freedom.
A Journey into Rumbul (1946) - As mentioned earlier, a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of individualism and rebellion against authority.
Impact and Legacy
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Albert Jay Nock's impact extends far beyond his written works. His commitment to anarchism and individualism has inspired generations of thinkers, writers, and activists. His critique of government education and social conformity remains a relevant commentary on modern society. Nock's emphasis on personal integrity and intellectual honesty continues to resonate with readers seeking to challenge societal norms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Albert Jay Nock is widely quoted and remembered due to his unflinching commitment to individual freedom, critical thinking, and social critique. His writing embodies a spirit of rebellion against authority, encouraging readers to question the status quo and prioritize personal integrity over conformity. As a writer, philosopher, and anarchist thinker, Nock's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual honesty and the dangers of government control.
Quotes by Albert J. Nock
Albert J. Nock's insights on:
Someone asked me years ago if it were true that I disliked Jews, and I replied that it was certainly true, not at all because they are Jews but because they are folks, and I don't like folks.
When politicians say “I’m in politics,” it may or may not be possible to trust them, but when they say, “I’m in public service,” you know you should flee.
As a general principle, I should put it that a man’s country is where the things he loves are most respected. Circumstances may have prevented his ever setting foot there, but it remains his country.
There are two methods, or means, and only two, whereby man’s needs and desires can be satisfied. One is the production and exchange of wealth; this is the economic means. The other is the uncompensated appropriation of wealth produced by others; this is the political means.
The practical reason for freedom is that freedom seems to be the only condition under which any kind of substantial moral fiber can be developed we have tried law, compulsion and authoritarianism of various kinds, and the result is nothing to be proud of.
It would seem that in Paine’s view the code of government should be that of the legendary King Pausole, who prescribed but two laws for his subjects, the first being, Hurt no man, and the second, Then do as you please.
The question of who is right and who is wrong has seemed to me always too small to be worth a moment’s thought, while the question of what is right and what is wrong has seemed all-important.
Like all predatory or parasitic institutions, the state's first instinct is that of self-preservati on. All its enterprises are directed first towards preserving its own life, and, second, towards increasing its own power and enlarging the scope of its own activity. For the sake of this it will, and regularly does, commit any crime which circumstances make expedient.
In proportion as you give the state power to do things for you, you give it power to do things to you.
The mind is like the stomach. It not how much you put into it, but how much it digests.