Josiah Warren

Date of Birth: June 26, 1798

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 14, 1874

Biography

Josiah Warren was an American inventor, musician, and individualist anarchist, born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is often regarded as the first American anarchist and the first proponent of “sovereignty of the individual.” Warren’s most notable innovation included the development of the “Time Store,” a unique retail model where goods were exchanged based on the amount of labor required to produce them. His ideas were instrumental in the development of the labor theory of value and influenced later anarchist thought. Warren’s work extended beyond economics; he was also a musician and an advocate for various social reforms.

5 Interesting Facts about Josiah Warren

1. Josiah Warren established the first anarchist community in the United States, called “Utopia,” in Ohio in 1847.

2. He invented a rotary press that contributed significantly to the printing industry.

3. Warren’s “Time Store” in Cincinnati operated from 1827 to 1830 and was one of the first businesses to implement a labor-for-labor exchange system.

4. He was a member of Robert Owen’s New Harmony community but left due to ideological differences.

5. Warren published several influential works, including “Equitable Commerce” and “True Civilization,” which articulated his economic and social philosophies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Josiah Warren

1. “Liberty is not the daughter but the mother of order.”

2. “Cost is the limit of price.”

3. “If we love truly, we grow to be alike.”

4. “The moment you say that any idea system or belief is infallible, that moment you deny the possibility of growth.”

5. “The science of society is the science of mutual adjustment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Josiah Warren’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his pursuits were primarily intellectual and social rather than financial.

Children

Josiah Warren had several children, although specific details about them are scarce. His family life was generally private, and he focused more on his societal contributions and inventions.