Book Review: "The Anti-capitalistic Mentality" by Ludwig von Mises (originally published in 1956; reprinted 2006)

In this tidy little volume, godfather of libertarianism Ludwig von Mises argues that those who are against capitalism don't endorse the free market economy for primarily one reason, and that's because it forces them have to stare their own shortcomings right in the eye. Von Mises states that it's far easier to blame "the system" than it is to admit that you're not smart enough, strong enough or hard working enough to succeed in life, as the emotions of envy and resentment are powerful ones.

In addition to this central thesis, which I found quite amusing, actually, there are several little nuggets of thought-provoking insight. For instance, here's an observation on the meaning of the word "progressive":

The fundamental dogma of this creed declares that poverty is an outcome of iniquitous social institutions. The original sin that deprived mankind of the blissful life in the Garden of Eden was the establishment of private property and enterprise. Capitalism serves only the selfish interests of rugged exploiters. It dooms the masses of righteous men to progressing impoverishment and degradation. What is needed to make all people prosperous is the taming of the greedy exploiters by the great god called State. The “service” motive must be substituted for the “profit” motive. Fortunately, they say, no intrigues and no brutality on the part of the infernal “economic royalists” can quell the reform movement. The coming of an age of central planning is inevitable. Then there will be plenty and abundance for all. Those eager to accelerate this great transformation call themselves progressives precisely because they pretend that they are working for the realization of what is both desirable and in accordance with the inexorable laws of historical evolution. They disparage as reactionaries all those who are committed to the vain effort of stopping what they call progress.

Now does that explain Joe Clark or what? (Non-Canadian readers, be thankful you don't understand that reference.)

I tend to think that most central planners are that way because they think that they know what's best for everyone and refuse to entertain the option that the great unwashed masses can be trusted to make their own individual choices with their own hard-earned money. In other words, I think most socialists tend to be driven by snobbery and elitism rather than bitterness, which is what von Mises would argue. This is an interesting look at how instead, it might be more about man's inability to live by the 10th Commandment.

Now naturally, von Mises' observations are dated, but it's still an interesting read that goes well as a companion piece alongside works by other libertarian philosophers like Hayek, who happened to be a student of von Mises before writing the essential "The Road to Serfdom" in 1944, a reflection on the rise of National Socialism (or Nazism) in Germany.

Download a copy of "The Anti-capitalistic Mentality" for yourself and tell everyone that socialism is for losers.

Overall rating: 8.25/10