The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality

Blaming capitalism for the current state of this or that (pick your cause) is to simply misunderstand capitalism altogether. This book does a good job of addressing many of the arguments that have been leveled against capitalism over the years. Many of the same arguments we hear today are recycled from the same envy laden tripe that was penned yesterday.

Ludwig Von Mises presents a thought provoking counter argument to left leaning arguments from a pro-capitalist perspective. While I did not necessarily agree with all his points, they are well thought out and thought provoking. Still very relevant today 60 years after being published.

This is a short book (Mises himself calls it an essay), but that should not detract from its value. He asks why some people, particularly in America, “loath capitalism”? He then proceeds to give answers for specific groups of antagonists – intellectuals, artists, modern liberals, and socialists. He provides references and examples in these and other categories. Finally he examines the non-economic arguments against capitalism.

His conclusions might be summarized to say that no system other than the classical liberal one of full laissez-faire capitalism has provided as much wealth and improved living standards for the masses. And further that no other system so well rewards men as they deserve, even though many do not like that show more result! If you search for liberty as I do this little book, with no complicated economics, could go far to make you a fan of Von Mises. show less

I had high expectations of Mises as so many people I admire think very highly of him. Well, it must be due to his Economics because this was quite a disappointment.

Livro n.07 do Box do Ludwig Von Mises