Capitalism: An Archaic Critique

This is the text of a presentation to the Sydney Traditionalist Forum in 2022, in which Mr. Maxwell outlines a proposed reactionary critique of capitalism. His classicist perspective approaches the subject outside the standard left-right dichotomy and considers the social and cultural problems associated with modern capitalism in theological (sacral) terms. The nature of private property and economics is first outlined. This is then considered in the contrasting viewpoints of Marxism, classical fascism, Catholic Social Thought and conservatism. The nature of corporate owned property is discussed in the context of collective (family or tribal) ownership. The idea that rights are anchored in their associated duties is discussed as necessarily incumbent on property ownership in the archaic view. Maxwell ultimately holds that an economic system of property ownership can be redeemed where that system is based on a resacralised concept of property.

Mike Maxwell is the editor in chief of Imperium Press, which has been publishing key titles in the Western Cannon, classical curricula, and is also well known for its “Studies in Reaction” and “Traditionalist Histories” collections. Imperium Press also hosts the podcasts “ImperiumCast” and “CvltvreDads” and recently published his book, The Cultured Thug Handbook.