The idea that political freedom can be preserved in the absence of economic freedom, and vice versa, is an illusion. Political freedom is the corollary of economic freedom.
Ludwig Von MisesRead
Man is born an asocial and antisocial being. The newborn child is a savage. Egoism is his nature. Only the experience of life and the teachings of his parents, his brothers, sisters, playmates, and later of other people FORCE HIM to acknowledge the advantages of social cooperation and accordingly to change his behavior.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature begins as self-centered, and social cooperation must be learned through life experiences.
This quote by Ludwig Von Mises emphasizes that humans are inherently self-centered and isolated at birth, likening the newborn to a 'savage'. It suggests that social behaviors and the understanding of cooperation are not innate but are cultivated through various life experiences and influences from family and peers, highlighting the transformative power of social interaction in shaping human behavior.
Themes
Human NatureSocial CooperationEgoismBehavior ChangeLife Experience
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth and overcoming selfish tendencies.
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