It is said that, when Margaret Thatcher was asked what principles her cabinet should model itself upon, she presented a copy of this book as an answer. And that pretty much sums up `Constitution of Liberty,' which could serve as the definitive argument for a free society in modern times. The `modern times' part is essential because this book is not just a philosophical exercise, but rather a fully practical guide for making the case for liberty in the face of increasingly hostile opponents.
Hayek begins with a semantic survey of the concept, then quickly explores the issues concerning liberty. It is important to note that his arguments for liberty are framed largely in response to the popular antagonism of liberty. This is reasonable since he wrote at the height of welfare statism. But, as such, his take on liberty, freedom and responsibility, merit, etc., is flush with negative affiliation. This is why his primary argument for liberty is mainly just an argument against planning, the primary focus of statists of the time.
And if there is a criticism of this book, it would rest in the negative approach, which often goes too far and ends up countering his case to some degree. For instance, to refute planning, Hayek argues that it is impossible for anyone to know all that is necessary to organize a complex society like that of modern Western nations. In making this claim, however, he stresses man's innate ignorance and incapacity for planning of any kind. The problem with this is that man is not completely ignorant and has the capacity for planning to some degree. If he were totally incapable of planning, he would not be able to run his own life, which could be an argument in favor of meddling statists. So, in order to refute statism, Hayek inadvertently promotes it.
Hayek does counter this with disclaimers later on, saying that we're all planners after all, and expressing sincere admiration for human intellect and innovation. Of course, this only diminishes his central argument, and gives opponents an inconsistency to pounce on.
In the end, the inconsistency is a minor blot on an otherwise enlightening and engaging treatise. `Constitution of Liberty' should be a welcomed edition for anyone interested in the great debate of our age.
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