He changed his mind - or did he?

Over on Samizdata, Brian Micklethwait writes about John Gray, the former libertarian and now collectivist. Earlier this year, I attended a talk given by Gray to the David Hume Institute in Edinburgh. After his speech, I spoke to him at length until the meeting's chairman insisted on introducing Gray to other guests. Mr. Gray recalled his libertarian period with enthusiasm but seemed completely unable to explain his change of heart. The only vague explanation offered was that people couldn't cope with freedom. As Brian Micklethwait suggests, John Gray is an incorrigable pessimist. That I can understand but it's no reason to give up the fight for liberty.