Ludwig von Mises
Austrian-American economist of the Austrian School · 1881–1973
Ludwig von Mises was an Austrian economist who argued that socialist economies cannot calculate rationally without market prices. He was a leading defender of classical liberalism and laissez-faire capitalism and later taught in New York.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
Defended self-determination down to the level of villages and districts, including a right to secede.
Saw democracy as a peaceful way to change government, though in 1927 he credited fascism with saving Europe from communism.
Defended individual liberty and opposed state controls.
A liberal cosmopolitan who wanted a world of free trade and peace.
Argued that free trade removes the motives for war.
Supported freedom of migration as part of liberal free-market principles.
Defended private ownership of the means of production as the basis of civilisation.
Opposed nearly all government economic intervention.
Argued for unrestricted free trade.
Wanted religion kept as a private matter, separate from the state.
No strong recorded view on social questions.
Credited capitalism with technological and material progress.