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==Influence==
==Influence==
As a consequence of his faith in the cosmic force of evolution Spencer became the champion of a social philosophy of [[laissez faire]], with the smallest possible role for the government. The individualism underlying his philosophy is succinctly expressed in his book on ''Ethics,'': "every man is free to do what he wills, provided he infringes not the equal freedom of any other man."<ref> See [http://books.google.com/books?id=CzBWAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22herbert+spencer%22+ethics&lr=&num=30&as_brr=0#PPA46,M1 text online p. 46 section 272]</ref>
Spencer had a major influence on world thinkers in Europe, Asia and Latin America, especially British and American thinkers of the 1870s, including such prominent conservatives as [[Andrew Carnegie]] and [[William Graham Sumner]]. Spencer's influence faded in Britain and America after 1890, but he was rediscovered by American conservatives in the 1930s and his ideas about government remain influential among conservatives.
Spencer had a major influence on world thinkers in Europe, Asia and Latin America, especially British and American thinkers of the 1870s, including such prominent conservatives as [[Andrew Carnegie]] and [[William Graham Sumner]]. Spencer's influence faded in Britain and America after 1890, but he was rediscovered by American conservatives in the 1930s and his ideas about government remain influential among conservatives.