Martin L. Gross

Here is a profile of Martin L. Gross, based on available sources. (If you meant a different Martin Gross, please let me know.)

Martin L. Gross — Life, Work, and Ideas

Early Life & Background

Martin L. Gross was born in 1925 and passed away on August 21, 2013 at the age of 88. Before becoming a widely known author, he worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor.

Career & Major Works

Gross was a journalist, social scientist, and author who published extensively in social criticism, politics, government, psychiatry, medicine, and education. He wrote over a dozen books, including several that became bestsellers: The Government Racket: Washington Waste from A to Z, A Call for Revolution, The Tax Racket, The End of Sanity, The Conspiracy of Ignorance, The Medical Racket, among others.

Some of his earlier works also addressed issues in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and medical practice—such as The Brain Watchers, The Psychological Society, and The Doctors.

Gross also testified before the U.S. Congress multiple times.

He held academic appointments: he was on the faculty of The New School for Social Research, and was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Social Science at New York University.

Themes & Perspectives

Gross is often critiqued or celebrated (depending on viewpoint) for his sharp criticism of government waste, bureaucracy, political correctness, and what he saw as cultural and institutional decline in the U.S. In The End of Sanity: Social and Cultural Madness in America, for example, he argued that a “New Establishment” of academics, bureaucrats, social workers, judges, and media elites was reshaping society away from traditional values and individual responsibility.

He was especially critical of the tax system, government agencies, redundancy in public programs, and the growing size of the federal state. His book The Tax Racket exposed perceived excesses in the IRS.

He also delved into critiques of psychiatry and psychological testing—arguing that many practices were uncritically accepted by professionals and public alike.

Legacy & Influence

Gross’s work resonated especially among critics of “big government,” libertarian thinkers, and conservative commentators.

His books remain in print and are often cited in debates over government spending, taxation, education reform, and cultural decline in America.

He also influenced public policy discussions, having been invited to testify before Congress, and his writings contributed to public awareness of what he perceived as inefficient or abusive aspects of government.

Selected Quotes & Key Passages

I could not locate a definitive source of many well-documented direct quotes by Gross in my initial search. However, his works contain many pithy critiques and rhetorical passages. If you like, I can attempt to compile a list of verified quotes from his books.

Lessons & Reflections

• Skepticism toward centralized power: Gross’s life reminds us to scrutinize how government grows, how agencies overlap, and how public resources are used.

• Interdisciplinary critique: He bridged journalism, sociology, psychology, and policy analysis—suggesting that meaningful critique often comes from crossing disciplinary boundaries.

• Consistency of principles: Throughout his career, Gross remained committed to the idea that individual liberty, accountability, and reason should temper institutional power.

• Influence through persistence: Though many of his arguments were controversial, his ability to publish regularly and engage public institutions (e.g. Congress) shows how consistent intellectual work can carve a platform.