Hi all,
I have a group of close friends with very left wing socialist (bordering on facist) views. We have lots of fun discussing politics, we me promoting the Austrian version (to no avail really). What I'd like to do is give them just one book that succinctly summarises the Austrian approach. Obviously a 1000 page treatise won't work. So what is the best book? Rand, Friedman, Mises, Hayek, Rothbard?
Any suggestions, experience?
Thanks Mark
Mark W: Hi all, I have a group of close friends with very left wing socialist (bordering on facist) views. We have lots of fun discussing politics, we me promoting the Austrian version (to no avail really). What I'd like to do is give them just one book that succinctly summarises the Austrian approach. Obviously a 1000 page treatise won't work. So what is the best book? Rand, Friedman, Mises, Hayek, Rothbard? Any suggestions, experience? Thanks Mark
IMO, Rand is the last author to consider recommending to Leftist's, specifically because she challenges the premises of altruism (which, last I checked, Leftism is still very smug with) with the precision of a surgeon, but also because of her pro-capitalist views (as well her intellectual elitism). There may be a chance it won't happen, but typically whenever her name comes up, I usually get akward silent moments, and/or the equivalent of pouring gasoline into a fire. I think she is excellent flame-bait if you are debating close-minded individuals, however :). I would actually highly recommend something not specifically economical, & something not written with the intent on 'attacking' leftist views. Mary Ruwart's "Healing Our World in an Age of Aggression" would probably get their attention & I doubt they would immediately dismiss it. I think this book would win them a bit in the morals department, & that might make it easier to talk economics with them, as (in my experience as a previous Leftist, at least) I find many Leftist's utilize emotional logic to arrive at conclusions, especially with regards to economics (thus, furthering ignorance of economics by failing to use much logic).
Or, if you want to just go for economics, I think Kevin Carson would be a great start, specifically his "Austrian & Marxist Theories of Monopoly Capital".The title alone should peak their interest, as it doesn't imply a skewed, out-right ideological rant of their Socialist / Marxist ideas that if they were subjected to, they would just immediately tune out. As for other suggestions, I think approaching giving your Leftist-socialists friends suggested reading from a marketing stand-point will the best way to build bridges of communication.
"Look at me, I'm quoting another user to show how wrong I think they are, out of arrogance of my own position. Wait, this is my own quote, oh shi-" ~ Nitroadict
At the first glance, I would've recommended "Power and Market" by Murray Rothbard, but the anarchist content would really turn off many people. It's still a good one if you can feed them excerpts and chapters, especially the ones that show how price limits affect those meant to be protected.
I'd say Rothbard's The Ethics of Liberty and Callahan's Economics For Real People.
Rothbards' book builds up from the beginnings in such a way that it's hard to argue with it and Callahan's is a really good introduction to the Austrian School that's easy to read and above all interesting.
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"
Bob Dylan
I've converted 3 people so far with Callahan's little book. I use DTGTF for conservative-minded "targets" though, and FANL if I think the person is open-minded enough.
-Jon
Freedom of markets is positively correlated with the degree of evolution in any society...
Jon Irenicus: I've converted 3 people so far with Callahan's little book. I use DTGTF for conservative-minded "targets" though, and FANL if I think the person is open-minded enough. -Jon
How easy is DTGTF to read? Anything you'd advise reading before hand?
Oh, and "What Has Government Done to Our Money?" by Rothbard is also an excellent reading. It show how and why the current banking system emerged as part of government interest.
Not easy. It's what I read first, but you'd need to do basic reading on the Austrian methodology and economics before delving into it to understand it (at least Callahan's book or Menger's Principles.) What is good about it, though, is that it might hook conservatives/communitarians who are otherwise intimidated by libertarianism. When I read it I was a monarchist and had not heard of libertarianism, and now I am a market anarchist. The book is well written and packs in a lot of information.
I've read both of those, I was planning on reading it after MES but I'm not sure anymore, I'm quite looking forward to reading it since reading some of Hoppe's other stuff.
It'll be much clearer if you read it after as it extends many of Rothbard's/Mises's arguments, but you don't have to.
What's DTGTF and FANL?
Democracy - the god that failed and For a New Liberty.
Thanks, I guess I'll read MES first then. Is reading Callahan's book, Menger's Principles and some pieces by Hoppe and Rothbard of methodology enough to understand it? Rothbard's writing is usually quite easy and I've read the first chapter (although I'll go back and read it again) and it seemed understandable.
Yeah, it should be sufficient. You can always re-read the book later, anyway.
Thanks all. Some great suggestions which I'll follow up. Some many books, so little time...and no Amazon.com in Australia!!! Mark
Jon Irenicus:When I read it I was a monarchist and had not heard of libertarianism, and now I am a market anarchist.
Hail to the King!
I say Mises' book Liberalism. It is not overtly economic, and much more a philosophical and political statement; something that is easier to grasp for a lot of people. It goes through each liberal belief point by point.
This is apparently a Man Talk Forum: No Women Allowed!
Telpeurion's Disliked Person of the Week: David Kramer
I know a lot of people that were convinced of the marginalist solutions to economic problems through Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.
This is the best book I can think of to get people hooked. However, with dealing with what you call "left wing socialists," perhaps Mary Ruwart's book would see the most success.
The Origins of Capitalism
And for more periodic bloggings by moi,
Leftlibertarian.org
I agree with this one. Mises' way of writing is truly satisfying and soothing, he's completely lacking of any hostility, and seems like a grandpa telling a story.
I really like Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt. It clearly lays a great foundation for free market economics without going to confusing or perturbing extremism.
Check my blog, if you're a loser
The Revolution: A Manifesto?
Economics in one lesson, or Mises' Liberalism.
I'll third Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.
"All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree." -James Madison
"If government were efficient, it would cease to exist."
I'll fourth the Economics in One Lesson suggestion.