The Man vs. the State by Herbert Spencer
Preface
The Westminster Review for April 1860 contained an article entitled
Parliamentary Reform, the Dangers and the Safeguards.
In that article, I ventured to predict some results of political changes then proposed.
Reduced to its simplest expression, the thesis maintained was that, unless due precautions were taken, increase of freedom in form would be followed by decrease of freedom in fact.
Nothing has occurred to alter the belief I then expressed. The drift of legislation since that time has been of the kind anticipated.
Dictatorial measures, rapidly multiplied, have tended continually to narrow the liberties of individuals, and have done this in a double way.
Regulations have been made in yearly growing numbers, restraining the citizen in directions where his actions were previously unchecked, and compelling actions which previously he might perform or not as he liked.
and, at the same time, heavier public burdens, chiefly local, have further restricted his
freedom by lessening that portion of his earnings which he can spend as he pleases, and augmenting
the portion taken from him to be spent as public agents please.
The causes of these foretold effects, then in operation, continue in operation, are, indeed,
For this purpose were written the four following articles, originally published in the Contemporary Review for February, April, May, June and July of this year.
To meet certain criticisms and to remove some of the objections likely to be raised, I have now added a postscript.
Bayswater, July 1844
Note, the foregoing preface to the original edition of this work, issued more than seven years ago, serves equally well for the present edition.
I have to add only that beyond appending in a note one important illustration enforcing
my argument, I have done nothing to this edition save making various verbal improvements and
a small correction of fact.
Avenue Road, Regents Park, January 1892