Two hundred years ago, before the advent of capitalism, a man's social status was fixed from the beginning to the end of his life; he inherited it from his ancestors and it never changed. Ludwig von Mises More Quotes by Ludwig von Mises More Quotes From Ludwig von Mises The market system is the basis of our civilization. Its only alternative is the Führer principle. Ludwig von Mises alternatives principles civilization Sovereignty must not be used for inflicting harm on anyone, whether citizen or foreigner. Ludwig von Mises house war peace Our whole civilization rests on the fact that men have always succeeded in beating off the attack of the re-distributors. Ludwig von Mises men civilization facts The first socialists were the intellectuals; they, and not the masses, are the backbone of Socialism. Ludwig von Mises socialism mass firsts Despots and democratic majorities are drunk with power. Ludwig von Mises drunk democracy freedom Progress is precisely that which rules and regulations did not foresee. Ludwig von Mises regulation progress rules-and-regulations Not mythical material productive forces, but reason and ideas determine the course of human affairs. What is needed to stop the trend toward socialism and despotism is common-sense and moral courage. Ludwig von Mises common-sense liberty ideas The alcoholic and the drug addict harm only themselves by their behavior; the person who violates the rules of morality governing mans life in society harms not only himself, but everyone. Ludwig von Mises morality drug behavior We owe the origin and development of human society and, consequently, of culture and civilization, to the fact that work performed under the division of labor is more productive than when performed in isolation. Ludwig von Mises division-of-labor civilization culture In the capitalist society there is a place and bread for all. Its ability to expand provides sustenance for every worker. Permanent unemployment is not a feature of free capitalism. Ludwig von Mises ability unemployment bread Without speculation there can be no economic activity reaching beyond the immediate present. Ludwig von Mises reaching economic speculation As soon as we surrender the principle that the state should not interfere in any questions touching on the individuals mode of life, we end by regulating and restricting the latter down to the smallest details. Ludwig von Mises details touching principles A nation cannot prosper if its members are not fully aware of the fact that what alone can improve their condition s is more and better production. And this can only be brought about by increased saving and capital accumulation. Ludwig von Mises accumulation saving facts The interventionist policy (big government) provides thousands and thousands of people with safe, placid, and not too strenuous jobs at the expense of the rest of society. Ludwig von Mises government jobs people Plato and Hitler were both the same kind of consistent socialists who planned also for the production of future socialists, the breeding and education of future members of society. Ludwig von Mises members kind plato It is labor alone that is productive: it creates wealth and therewith lays the outward foundations for the inward flowering of man. Ludwig von Mises inward foundation men The truth is that most people lack the intellectual ability and courage to resist a popular movement, however pernicious and ill-considered. Ludwig von Mises intellectual life people Whether we like it or not, it is a fact that economics cannot remain an esoteric branch of knowledge accessible only to small groups of scholars and specialists. Economics deals with society's fundamental problems; it concerns everyone and belongs to all. It is the main and proper study of every citizen. Ludwig von Mises groups citizens fundamentals The distinctive principle of Western social philosophy is individualism. Ludwig von Mises individualism principles philosophy No one should expect that any logical argument or any experience could ever shake the almost religious fervor of those who believe in salvation through spending and credit expansion. Ludwig von Mises logical-arguments religious believe
