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
War is harmful, not only to the conquered but to the conqueror. Society has arisen out of the works of peace; the essence of society is peacemaking. Peace and not war is the father of all things. Only economic action has created the wealth around us; labor, not the profession of arms, brings happiness. Peace builds, war destroys.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War brings destruction and suffering to all, while peace fosters growth and happiness.
This quote by Ludwig Von Mises emphasizes the detrimental effects of war not only on those who are defeated but also on the victors. He argues that true progress and wealth arise from peaceful actions and labor, suggesting that peace is foundational to a prosperous and harmonious society, in stark contrast to the destructive nature of war.
Themes
WarPeaceSocietyHappinessEconomicsLabor
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for diplomacy, one might quote Mises to highlight the importance of peacemaking.
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The public firm can nowhere maintain itself in free competition with the private firm; it is possible today only where it has a monopoly that excludes competition. Even that alone is evidence of its lesser economic productivity.
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Each epoch has found in the Gospels what it sought to find there, and has overlooked what it wished to overlook.
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