The Dangers of Obedience: Other Essays

By: Laski, Harold Joseph

"The Dangers of Obedience & Other Essays" is a profound collection of political and social critiques that examine the delicate balance between individual conscience and state authority. Written by the influential political scientist Harold J. Laski, these essays challenge the reader to consider the moral and civic consequences of passive compliance in a modern democracy. Laski argues passionately that the health of a society depends on the active, critical participation of its citizens, rather than blind adherence to institutional power.

The collection explores a wide range of themes, including the nature of sovereignty, the role of the intellectual in politics, and the inherent risks of bureaucratic centralization. Through sharp prose and rigorous logic, Laski dissects the mechanisms of power and the necessity of dissent in maintaining a free society. These essays serve as both a warning against the encroaching tide of authoritarianism and a clarion call for the preservation of individual liberty. "The Dangers of Obedience & Other Essays" remains a vital contribution to political thought, offering timeless insights into the ethical responsibilities of the individual within the collective structure of the state.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102558497X
• ISBN13: 9781025584973
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"