Duke Professor: Libertarians ‘Seem To Be on the Autism Spectrum’

Duke Professor: Libertarians ‘Seem to Be on the Autism Spectrum’ (NRO)

A history professor at Duke University stated that many of the architects of small-government philosophy seemed “to be on the autism spectrum.” Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America, made the comments during the Q&A portion of her February 7 speech at New York City Unitarian Church of All Souls.

The question: “Where do [Public Choice Theory economist James Buchanan's] motivations lie? Are they ones of personal greed? It seems like it’s a little grander, is it malevolence?”

MacLean, who has also written a biography of Buchanan, responded: “As an author, I have struggled with this, and I could explain it in different ways. I didn’t put this in the book, but I will say it here,” she answered. “It’s striking to me how many of the architects of this cause seem to be on the autism spectrum—you know, people who don’t feel solidarity or empathy with others, and who have difficult human relationships sometimes.”