Thomas Hodgskin

Thomas Hodgskin (1787–1869) was an English socialist writer on political economy, critic of capitalism, and defender of free trade and early trade unions. Born in Chatham, Kent, he was enrolled in the navy at age 12, retiring at 25. His 'Essay on Naval Discipline' brought him to the attention of radicals. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and later joined the utilitarian circle in London. He traveled in Europe and documented his experiences in 'Travels in the North of Germany' (1820). In 1823, he co-founded the 'Mechanics Magazine'. His major works include 'Labour defended against the claims of Capital' (1825) and 'Popular Political Economy' (1827), where he argued for workers' right to the full produce of their labor. This stance led to a rift with his supporters. Hodgskin later moved into Whig journalism and served as economics editor for 'The Economist' (1843-1857). He advocated for free trade and criticized government bureaucracy. He was a pioneer of anti-capitalism, individualist anarchism, and libertarian socialism. His critique of capitalists appropriating the value produced by workers influenced Karl Marx. His work, 'The Natural and Artificial Right of Property Contrasted' (1832), extended Ricardo's theory of rent, arguing that 'artificial' property rights, not just land rent, allowed capitalists to claim unearned shares of production, characterizing interest and profit as 'legalized robbery'. However, he maintained a commitment to free-market competition, believing that eliminating state-enforced monopolies would align property distribution with labor contribution.