During the Encounter Books annual gala, Charles Murray argued that social science is redundant, asserting that fundamental questions about human behavior were addressed by thinkers like Aristotle and Adam Smith. He emphasized the virtue of self-restraint as essential for fulfillment. Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, spoke on the relationship between self-restraint and self-government, stressing that personal rights come with duties. Both speakers criticized the actions of politicians leading up to the midterm elections, highlighting a contrast between virtuous conduct and political dishonesty.
Key facts
- Charles Murray spoke at the Encounter Books gala on October 30, 2026.
- Murray received the Jeane Kirkpatrick Prize for Academic Freedom.
- He claimed social science has become redundant.
- Larry Arnn emphasized the link between self-restraint and self-government.
- Both speakers criticized politicians ahead of the midterm elections.
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