
Beyond Democracy
Why Democracy Does Not Lead to Solidarity, Prosperity and Liberty But to Social Conflict, Runaway Spending and a Tyrannical Government
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Jeff Riggenbach
About this listen
Do you wonder why government keeps growing bigger and the public debt keeps getting higher, while your freedom and prosperity look ever more threatened? After reading his book, you won't wonder anymore - you'll know why it is happening and what can be done about it.
Beyond Democracy is a groundbreaking and fascinating book for everyone who wants to better understand current social problems and the economic crisis. Widely considered to be the best political system imaginable, most people wrongly assume that the only alternative to democracy is a dictatorship or some type of oligarchy. It is no exaggeration to say that democracy has become a secular religion. It is perhaps the largest political faith on earth. To criticize the democratic ideal is to risk being regarded an enemy of civilized society. Yet that is precisely what Karel Beckman and Frank Karsten propose to do.
In this provocative and highly readable book, they tackle the last political taboo: the idea that our salvation lies in democracy. With simple, straightforward arguments they show that democracy, in contrast to popular belief, does not lead to freedom, civilization, prosperity, peace, and the rule of law, but the opposite: to loss of freedom, social conflict, runaway government spending, a lower standard of living and the subversion of individual rights. They debunk 13 great myths with which democracy is usually defended. What is more, they offer an appealing alternative: a society based on individual freedom and voluntary social relations.
More information can be found about this thought provoking book at: beyonddemocracy.net
©2012 Frank Karsten (P)2013 Listen and Think AudioListeners also enjoyed...
-
Healing Our World
- The Compassion of Libertarianism
- By: Dr. Mary J. Ruwart
- Narrated by: Kathleen Godwin
- Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through its win-win approach, Healing Our World illustrates how the rules of social interaction which we learned as children hold the secret to universal harmony and abundance. Visit Ruwart.com to sign up for Dr. Ruwart's blog.
-
-
Great book
- By Tswag on 09-11-20
-
The Right Side of History
- How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great
- By: Ben Shapiro
- Narrated by: Ben Shapiro
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
America has a God-shaped hole in its heart, argues New York Times best-selling author Ben Shapiro, and we shouldn't fill it with politics and hate.
-
-
As an atheist
- By Benjamin on 03-27-19
By: Ben Shapiro
-
For a New Liberty
- The Libertarian Manifesto
- By: Murray N. Rothbard
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto, Rothbard proposes a once-and-for-all escape from the two major political parties, the ideologies they embrace, and their central plans for using state power against people. Libertarianism is Rothbard's radical alternative that says state power is unworkable and immoral, and ought to be curbed and finally overthrown.
-
-
I'm a Ron Paul Libertarian but this is a good
- By monte reed on 03-20-12
-
Libertarianism
- A Primer
- By: David Boaz
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Boaz presents the essential guidebook to the libertarian perspective, detailing its roots, central tenets, solutions to contemporary policy dilemmas, and future in American politics. He confronts head-on the tough questions frequently posed to libertarians: What about inequality? Who protects the environment? What ties people together if they are essentially self-interested?
-
-
Clear, in-depth analysis
- By Dennis on 04-28-04
By: David Boaz
-
Milton Friedman
- A Guide to His Economic Thought
- By: Eamonn Butler
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the great economists of the 20th century, Milton Friedman has always challenged the prevailing economic orthodoxy. At the same time, his work has become popular because it is engagingly written and because it helps in practical prediction. Thanks to Friedman, money is now regarded as a far more powerful factor than it had been before. It offers the prospect of permanently controlling the inflation that has become the most important economic problem of our age.
-
-
this is one of my favourite books I've ever read
- By Spencer on 06-28-15
By: Eamonn Butler
-
The Machiavellians
- Defenders of Freedom
- By: James Burnham
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This classic work of political theory and practice offers an account of the modern Machiavellians, a remarkable group who have been influential in Europe and practically unknown in the United States. The book devotes a long section to Machiavelli himself as well as to such modern Machiavellians as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels and Vilfredo Pareto. Burnham contends that the writings of these men hold the key both to the truth about politics and to the preservation of political liberty.
-
-
Fine intro to an authentic science of politics
- By Walter on 10-24-11
By: James Burnham
-
Healing Our World
- The Compassion of Libertarianism
- By: Dr. Mary J. Ruwart
- Narrated by: Kathleen Godwin
- Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through its win-win approach, Healing Our World illustrates how the rules of social interaction which we learned as children hold the secret to universal harmony and abundance. Visit Ruwart.com to sign up for Dr. Ruwart's blog.
-
-
Great book
- By Tswag on 09-11-20
-
The Right Side of History
- How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great
- By: Ben Shapiro
- Narrated by: Ben Shapiro
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
America has a God-shaped hole in its heart, argues New York Times best-selling author Ben Shapiro, and we shouldn't fill it with politics and hate.
-
-
As an atheist
- By Benjamin on 03-27-19
By: Ben Shapiro
-
For a New Liberty
- The Libertarian Manifesto
- By: Murray N. Rothbard
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto, Rothbard proposes a once-and-for-all escape from the two major political parties, the ideologies they embrace, and their central plans for using state power against people. Libertarianism is Rothbard's radical alternative that says state power is unworkable and immoral, and ought to be curbed and finally overthrown.
-
-
I'm a Ron Paul Libertarian but this is a good
- By monte reed on 03-20-12
-
Libertarianism
- A Primer
- By: David Boaz
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Boaz presents the essential guidebook to the libertarian perspective, detailing its roots, central tenets, solutions to contemporary policy dilemmas, and future in American politics. He confronts head-on the tough questions frequently posed to libertarians: What about inequality? Who protects the environment? What ties people together if they are essentially self-interested?
-
-
Clear, in-depth analysis
- By Dennis on 04-28-04
By: David Boaz
-
Milton Friedman
- A Guide to His Economic Thought
- By: Eamonn Butler
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the great economists of the 20th century, Milton Friedman has always challenged the prevailing economic orthodoxy. At the same time, his work has become popular because it is engagingly written and because it helps in practical prediction. Thanks to Friedman, money is now regarded as a far more powerful factor than it had been before. It offers the prospect of permanently controlling the inflation that has become the most important economic problem of our age.
-
-
this is one of my favourite books I've ever read
- By Spencer on 06-28-15
By: Eamonn Butler
-
The Machiavellians
- Defenders of Freedom
- By: James Burnham
- Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This classic work of political theory and practice offers an account of the modern Machiavellians, a remarkable group who have been influential in Europe and practically unknown in the United States. The book devotes a long section to Machiavelli himself as well as to such modern Machiavellians as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels and Vilfredo Pareto. Burnham contends that the writings of these men hold the key both to the truth about politics and to the preservation of political liberty.
-
-
Fine intro to an authentic science of politics
- By Walter on 10-24-11
By: James Burnham
-
The Second Ammendment
- The Risk of Repeal
- By: Mario C Robertson
- Narrated by: Andrew Joyce
- Length: 1 hr and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We must arm ourselves with knowledge like never before. We must revisit historical accounts of governments turning tyrannical against citizens throughout history and the conversation the founding fathers of America engaged in. We must evaluate the vulnerability American citizens will be subjected to if the second amendment was compromised.
-
-
Five Stars
- By Marie Clancy on 11-19-18
-
On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
- By: Henry David Thoreau
- Narrated by: Jim Killavey
- Length: 1 hr and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This essay by Thoreau first published in 1849, argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their consciences. It goes on to say that individuals have a duty to avoid allowing the government to make them the agents of injustice. The quote: "That government is best which governs least," sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine, actually was first found in this essay. Thoreaus' thoughts were motivated by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War but they are still relevant and resonate today.
-
-
10:22 p.m., 10th of January, 2018
- By Anonymous User on 01-11-18
-
The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection
- or, The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life
- By: Charles Darwin
- Narrated by: Robin Field
- Length: 23 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Origin of Species sold out on the first day of its publication in 1859. It is the major book of the 19th century and one of the most readable and accessible of the great revolutionary works of the scientific imagination. Though, in fact, little read, most people know what it says—at least they think they do. The Origin of Species was the first mature and persuasive work to explain how species change through the process of natural selection. Upon its publication, the book began to transform attitudes about society and religion.
-
-
For aficionados only.
- By Ary Shalizi on 01-11-12
By: Charles Darwin
-
Historical Biographies of Presidents - Books 1 and 2
- Abraham Lincoln: Freedom Fighter and Teddy Roosevelt: The Soul of Progressive America (Historical Biographies of Presidents, Book 4)
- By: J. R. MacGregor
- Narrated by: Kevin Kollins
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No two men are more responsible for the shaping of American than these two powerhouses. From "trust-busting" and the "square deal" to abolishing slavery so that all Americans can enjoy the freedoms of this country, these two embody exactly what it means to be “American”. In this two-book set, you'll learn not only what made them legends, but also what shaped their early years and made them who they are - from their childhood struggles and what kept them moving forward to their early years in politics and the personal battles they fought. It’s all here.
-
-
Amazing!
- By Noah K Wright on 01-01-22
By: J. R. MacGregor
-
Concealed Carry, Stand Your Ground Laws, and the 2nd Amendment Right to Bear Arms
- The Beginners Bible for Understanding Constitutional Rights, Gun Ownership & Firearm Self Defense
- By: Austin Tyler
- Narrated by: Tom Brooks
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Concealed Carry, Stand Your Ground Laws, and the Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms will teach you everything you need to know about your rights as a proud American citizen and how you can carry without concern. Many are not fully aware of the laws surrounding our rights. Don’t worry. We are here to help. The goal of this reading is to arm you with the confidence and knowledge you need to keep you well within your rights to not only conceal carry, but to be prepared for almost any situation and scenario when you do.
-
-
Don’t be fooled
- By Buffett Fan on 02-25-21
By: Austin Tyler
-
The Scientific Revolution: A Captivating Guide to the Emergence of Modern Science During the Early Modern Period, Including Stories of Thinkers Such as Isaac Newton and René Descartes
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Kevin Hung-Liang
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ancient cultures have been looking up at the stars for thousands of years, wondering about their place in the universe. What were those glowing spots in the black cover of night? Just how far away was the moon? These and other questions hounded humanity through the millennia until, finally, relative economic stability allowed for a number of people to examine their world more closely. Slowly, knowledge and understanding accumulated generation by generation until the conditions were ideal enough for a revolution to occur in thinking, experimentation, worldview, and natural philosophy.
-
-
Dull and superficial
- By Leonardo Fagundes Fernandino on 12-05-19
-
Philosophy Simplified
- Discover the 10 Most Iconic Thinkers, Their Key Concepts, Theories, & Ideas Simplified
- By: Philosophy Simplified
- Narrated by: Deedee Ash
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover the lives, beliefs, and theories of the 10 most iconic philosophical figures in history with this comprehensive and engaging book.
-
-
Infantile and repetitive
- By Scott Quinby on 04-27-23
-
How Not to Be Wrong
- The Power of Mathematical Thinking
- By: Jordan Ellenberg
- Narrated by: Jordan Ellenberg
- Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ellenberg chases mathematical threads through a vast range of time and space, from the everyday to the cosmic, encountering, among other things, baseball, Reaganomics, daring lottery schemes, Voltaire, the replicability crisis in psychology, Italian Renaissance painting, artificial languages, the development of non-Euclidean geometry, the coming obesity apocalypse, Antonin Scalia's views on crime and punishment, the psychology of slime molds, what Facebook can and can't figure out about you, and the existence of God.
-
-
Great book but better in writing
- By Michael on 07-02-14
By: Jordan Ellenberg
-
Free to Choose
- A Personal Statement
- By: Milton Friedman, Rose Friedman
- Narrated by: James Adams
- Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Milton Friedman and his wife, Rose, teamed up to write this most convincing and readable guide, which illustrates the crucial link between Adam Smith's capitalism and the free society. They show how freedom has been eroded and prosperity undermined through the rapid growth of governmental agencies, laws, and regulations.
-
-
Fantastic
- By Erik on 01-21-08
By: Milton Friedman, and others
-
Justice
- By: Michael J. Sandel
- Narrated by: Michael J. Sandel
- Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What are our obligations to others as people in a free society? Should government tax the rich to help the poor? Is the free market fair? Is it sometimes wrong to tell the truth? Do individual rights and the common good conflict? These questions are at the core of our public life today - and at the heart of Justice, in which Michael J. Sandel shows how a surer grasp of philosophy can help us to make sense of politics, morality, and our own convictions as well.
-
-
A very worthwhile book
- By Amazon Customer on 11-11-09
-
Breaking Through Power
- It's Easier Than We Think
- By: Ralph Nader
- Narrated by: David Colacci
- Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Breaking Through Power, Ralph Nader draws from a lifetime waging - and often winning - David vs. Goliath battles against big corporations and the US government.
-
-
Ralph explains Power & Plutocracy
- By Sleeper on 01-18-19
By: Ralph Nader
-
A Conflict of Visions
- Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
- By: Thomas Sowell
- Narrated by: Michael Edwards
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this book, which the author calls a "culmination of 30 years of work in the history of ideas", Sowell attempts to explain the ideological difference between liberals and conservatives as a disagreement over the moral potential inherent in nature. Those who see that potential as limited prefer to constrain governmental authority, he argues. They feel that reform is difficult and often dangerous, and put their faith in family, custom, law, and traditional institutions.
-
-
Critical read for 2008 change election
- By Elaine C Grimes on 06-05-08
By: Thomas Sowell
What listeners say about Beyond Democracy
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- No to Statism
- 10-23-18
Excellent Introduction to Democracy
I really appreciate Frank Karsten & Karel Beckman for taking the time to write this great book! It is an excellent Introduction to the dreadful nature of democracy. In my view, a more exhaustive treatment of this subject should be written. Nevertheless, this is a great audiobook, and I highly recommend it.
I also want to mention that Jeff Riggenbach did a superb job reading the text!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Axel Metschies
- 06-02-18
Great book on Democracy
Interesting read for those who care about ideas. Well researched and easy to consume without prior knowledge.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Daren
- 03-16-15
great content, good vocalization.
Although quick to consume, its worth the price. The narration is done well enough, if not a bit to neutral in tone.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Roberto
- 04-01-15
Very interesting!
A quite different view of democracy
I recommend this book mainly for democracy advocates
Gives you a new optic indeed
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 05-17-15
worderfull
Amazing book! consize and very well written. works as introduction in a short time for liberal ideas and can chance the way you see tour world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David Johnson
- 02-11-15
Democracy is back door socialism
Fantastic and concise book explaining the myths of democracy and why it is inherently collectivist and immoral.
Recommend for anyone who values Liberty, freedom, and the non aggression principle.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Martin Halamicek
- 09-21-21
Great and necessary!
Everyone should read this and educate himself about the evils of democracy. It has never been more urgent
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Richard M.
- 06-09-16
really good
a strong case for liberty. explains perfectly why democracy is not freedom. does not talk as much about what is beyond it more just why it is not what we pretend it is. of course liberty is pretty easy to explain the non libertarians require details of society building which this book does not provide. life after the state is far better in this regard. aside from that i could not recommend this book more. the performance was a joy to listen to.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Christopher
- 05-19-16
Thoroughly Delegitimizes Democracies
Persuasive argument of why democracy must go the way of the Divine Right of Kings.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Victor Hugo Germano
- 02-22-16
A falacy machine gun
if you are looking for a book to learn about libertarism, this is not it.
this is a falacy machine gun fun of anectodes, false assumptions and no numbers Of real life examples to support the authors point Of view.
the only thing good about this is the last 3 minutes that describe some other books to read.
dont waste your time
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful