A Maverick's Defense of Freedom

Benjamin A. Rogge's passion for spreading free-market ideas at a time when such views were scorned put him at odds with most of his fellow professors of economics. His great charm and civility, however, made it a battle of ideas rather than a hostile clash between people. He excelled at using respectful explication, softened with humor and relevant examples, to win over his audience. A gifted speaker and writer, Rogge had the ability to present complex economic topics in straightforward language without resorting to intimidating mathematical formulas.

A Maverick's Defense of Freedom gathers fifty-three of Rogge's most interesting essays and speeches, many of which have never before been published. Organized thematically, the collection spans a wide range of topics and three decades, from the 1950s through Rogge's untimely death in 1980. Professor Dwight Lee explains in his introduction that even Rogge's earliest writings "show that he had the intellectual fortitude to stand up to the dominant views in economics with a deep understanding of the classical liberal principles that he believed provided the necessary foundation for economic prosperity and individual liberty."

Part 1, composed mostly of Rogge's speeches, broadly describes his philosophy on liberty, responsibility, and morality and the roles of each in maintaining a free-market economy. In part 2 Rogge humorously explains what economists can and cannot do to promote a free and prosperous society. Part 3, the longest section of the book, reflects Rogge's emphasis on the connection between education and liberty. The next two sections present microeconomic and macroeconomic issues, respectively. From energy policy to the effect of labor unions, from inflation to unemployment, the essays are tied together by Rogge's view that we should not sacrifice freedom piece by piece for immediate but temporary benefits. Part 6, "Foreign Policy and Economic Development," includes four discussions of economic issues in the context of foreign policy, emphasizing that trade is the best way to undermine the appeal of collectivism.

The book's engaging and accessible writing style makes this collection a valuable one for younger scholars as well as interested general readers. Those who are already familiar with Rogge's work will benefit from its breadth of coverage and will be reminded again of how enjoyable, insightful, and relevant Rogge is to read yet today.

Benjamin A. Rogge (1920-1980) was Distinguished Professor of Political Economy at Wabash College. He was also the author of Can Capitalism Survive? published by Liberty Fund.
Dwight R. Lee is William J. O'Neil Professor of Global Markets and Freedom at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business.