Leeds Humanists Book Club

Join us for a lively book club session reviewing 'Adventure Capitalism' by Raymond Craib. Inspired by Ayn Rand and Robinson Crusoe, the questions prompted by the book include the role and value of governments and democratic control, how we value and protect the rule of law, and what place social justice holds in our minds.
In Adventure Capitalism, Raymond Craib, the Marie Underhill Noll Professor of History at Cornell University, explains the history of "libertarian exit" movements from the early 70s onwards. Inspired by Ayn Rand and Robinson Crusoe, these adventurers tried several times to create a capitalist paradise governed solely by the rules of the market in locations beyond the reach of governments. Although early attempts on tropical islands and in other remote places all seem to have failed, the ideology lives on in plans for seasteads, free private cities (the ultimate destination of freeports?), and space colonisation. Although this is a history of the recent past, it also contains a clear warning about our future.
The questions prompted by the book include the role and value of governments and democratic control, how we value and protect the rule of law, and what place social justice holds in our minds.
Join us for another fascinating discussion!
Location: John Lewis Community Hub, 4th floor, Victoria Gate, Leeds, LS2 7AR
You can find out more and register here.
Raymond Craib’s ‘Adventure Capitalism’ | Leeds Humanists Book Club