Watch Karl Hess: Toward Liberty

Karl Hess: Toward Liberty is a 1980 documentary movie that explores the life and ideas of Karl Hess, a prominent political thinker and activist during the 20th century. The movie is directed by Roland Hallé and stars Karl Hess himself along with Kevin Burns, Barry Goldwater, and several other political figures. The movie provides an in-depth analysis of Karl Hess's life and his evolution from a progressive journalist to a libertarian philosopher. It begins with his early days in New Deal America, where he worked alongside influential politicians such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Saul Alinsky, and his eventual disillusionment with government and politics.

Throughout the film, we see Karl Hess speak passionately about his ideas of individual liberty and decentralized power. He argues that the government is too big and too centralized, and that individual freedom must be protected at all costs. His ideas are put into context by interviews with other notable thinkers such as Murray Rothbard and Richard Nixon.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the interview with Barry Goldwater, the Republican politician who ran for president in 1964. Goldwater reflects on his own experience with the Republican Party and provides insight into the political climate of the 1960s and 1970s.

The film also explores the impact of the Vietnam War on American society, and Karl Hess's opposition to the war. Hess believed that the war was a violation of individual liberties and an overreach of government power.

Overall, the movie gives an insightful look into Karl Hess's ideas and his legacy as a libertarian philosopher. It highlights the importance of individual freedom and the dangers of government overreach, themes that are still relevant today.

The movie is well-crafted and engaging, with a combination of interviews, archival footage, and footage shot specifically for the movie. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in political philosophy and the history of American politics.

In conclusion, Karl Hess: Toward Liberty is a thought-provoking documentary that provides an insightful look into the life and ideas of Karl Hess. Through interviews with prominent political figures and archival footage, the movie highlights the importance of individual freedom and the dangers of government overreach. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in political philosophy and the history of American politics.