Before I picked up this book, I had no idea what an Existentialist is and a very limited understanding of Marxism or Capitalism. However, I was very keen to understand the arguments that the author makes in this book.

Capitalism has clearly won the argument of the early 20th century and America is the shining example of its success. While Capitalism may not be as evil as Marx or other socialists envisaged then, it has also given birth to consumerism, which drives masses toward false pride and immense debt.

Which offers most freedom: Socialism or Capitalism? Easy, right? But what if we couple consumerism as an inalienable part of Capitalism. Then, Capitalism makes people as much subservient to external forces as Socialism.

Is being Free Market Existentialist then the answer to our plight?

The author begins the book with his definition of Existentialism and his views on Freedom and Will. Sartre Kierkgaard, Neitzche are considered the pioneering Existentialists. Sartre’s embrace of Marxism in his later life seems to have placed Existentialism closer to Marxism.
In chapter 2, the author digs deeper into this connection between Sartre and Marxism and the meaning of Existentialist Socialism. He argues that Existentialism is much more closer to free market capitalism than Marxism.

Similarly, the author examines Authenticity, Moral, Property Rights, and Taxes from each of the different lenses and makes an argument toward how Existentialism is the core of Capitalism.

Reviving the individual and helping her define herself, rather than arriving at a definition driven by consumerism, will give us the best of Capitalism and Free Market philosophy.

If these are some of the issues you grapple with often, you will love to read what some of the 20th Century philosophers argued. The author’s approach or solution to today’s love-hate relationship with Capitalism and its ills will perhaps even appeal to you and spark the independent individual sitting in the corner.

Although a bit difficult to digest for a reader who is not interested in philosophy, the book is sure to spark interest in readers who love to talk about the hues of Capitalism and Socialism. It will also interest you if you ever ponder over the meaning of being Free or wonder if the Will is free.

I am a fan of philosophy, particularly the wisdom of Sartre and Nietzsche, and enjoy Economics 101 (huge fan of Freakonomics). In The Free Market Existentialist, I was very curious to see how the author would intertwine the two. As it turns out, he not only combined the concepts, he created a fast-paced and intellectually stimulating read. The book is, in short, fascinating. While it may not be an end-of-a-long-workday read, it is perfect for the college student, lover of philosophy, or anyone willing to delve into the complex world of existentialism, libertarianism, and capitalism that the author has so eloquently laid out.

Irwin begins by proposing free market existentialism as a new competitor in the marketplace of ideas. He then links existentialism and libertarianism with individualism and then very orderly defines each and follows with how existentialism helps capitalism. You may need to reread one or two chapters, but there are plenty of opportunities to take notes. The extensive bibliography is worthy of a few sticky tabs, and you may need to have an extra highlighter on hand.

This book, while largely cerebral, is not the dry intellectual rhetoric found in the pages of many books on the same subject. In fact, it just the opposite. The author clearly is in the habit of questioning the world around him, and wants you to do the same. His blend of wry observations and knowledge (he’s a long-time professor and Chair of Philosophy) adds depth to and enriches each passage. And he does present a wide variety of topics: individualism, free will, moral anti-realism, capitalism, and a minimal state.

Early in the book, the author created a Venn diagram with one circle of existentialism and one circle of capitalism, drew a circle in the middle, and invited the reader to step inside. This is essentially a microcosm of his ideas; that he is not advocating for a black and white, one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, he is combining seemingly incompatible ideas and perspectives to create a world view that is unique, thought provoking, and may even inspire you to put forth ideas of your own. After reading this book, draw your own Venn diagram and see where you land. You may be surprised.