Jonathan Lawler: The Stewards of History Desperately Need Mises

The word “archivist” likely conjures images of a meek librarian surrounded by dusty shelves, old boxes, and brittle paper. Alternatively, conflation with “archeologist” might summon mental replays of  Raiders of the Lost Ark. But archivists are not a fedora-wearing, pistol-packing, whip-wielding bunch. While lacking pistols or whips, however, archivists surprisingly accept and promote dangerous and intolerant collectivist ideology—some to the point of condoning violence. As a professional community, archivists should turn from this path and embrace Mises’s insights into peaceful social cooperation and tolerance.