In “The Naked Mole-Rat and the Conservative Worldview,” Justin Bond offers a compelling exploration of conservative philosophy through economics, game theory, and cultural analysis. This thought-provoking work defends the power of ordinary people when guided by the right norms, values, and culture.
Bond skillfully weaves together historical events, economic principles, and behavioral studies to illuminate the conservative perspective. Starting with the contrasting paths of the American, French, and English Revolutions, he demonstrates how bottom-up processes consistently outperform top-down systems. Through parables and real-world examples—from the free rider problem to imperfect competition—he reveals why markets, families, and cultural traditions create more stable and prosperous societies than government planning.
The book tackles challenging topics like evolutionary psychology, social status competitions, and the impacts of welfare policies. With clarity and intellectual honesty, Bond examines why many conservative solutions work despite their counterintuitive nature, exploring complex topics like the tragedy of the commons, the evolution of cooperation, and the importance of marriage and family structures.
Neither dogmatic nor partisan, this book provides an accessible yet sophisticated defense of conservative thought. It's essential reading for anyone interested in understanding why conservative principles emphasize bottom-up solutions and cultural continuity rather than centralized planning.
If you enjoyed “The Righteous Mind,” “Basic Economics,” and “The World Until Yesterday,” you'll love “The Naked Mole-Rat and the Conservative Worldview.”
