Albert J. Nock

Date of Birth: October 13, 1870

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 19, 1945

Biography

Albert Jay Nock was an influential American libertarian author, educational theorist, and social critic, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was a leading figure in classical liberalism and a formidable critic of the State and collectivism. Nock’s works delve into various subjects, from education and economics to politics and culture. He was a founding editor of “The Freeman,” an important journal that disseminated libertarian ideas. Nock’s most famous works include “Our Enemy, the State” and “Memoirs of a Superfluous Man,” where he articulated his philosophy of individualism, skepticism of government power, and commitment to personal liberty.

5 Interesting Facts about Albert J. Nock

1. Albert Jay Nock was a fervent advocate of the “Old Right,” a political movement that opposed the New Deal and U.S. intervention in World War II.

2. Nock was a mentor to many prominent libertarians and conservative thinkers, including Frank Chodorov and Murray Rothbard.

3. He was highly critical of mass education, believing it to be a tool for state indoctrination rather than genuine learning.

4. Nock was well-versed in classical languages and literature, and his erudition is reflected in his writing style.

5. His book “Our Enemy, the State” argues that the State inherently works against the interests of the people it governs.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert J. Nock

1. “The State claims and exercises the monopoly of crime.”

2. “Learning has always been made much of by those who were educated; and it has always been regarded with contempt by those who were not.”

3. “The natural enemy of every government is its own people.”

4. “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.”

5. “It is a curious anomaly. State power has an unbroken record of inability to do anything efficiently, economically, disinterestedly or honestly, and yet the belief in the State’s power to do things is a sort of religion.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Albert Jay Nock’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a writer and intellectual in his era, he would not have achieved significant financial wealth. His influence, however, has been invaluable in shaping libertarian and conservative thought.

Children

Albert Jay Nock did not have any children. His personal life remains relatively private and less documented compared to his professional and intellectual contributions.