Just read this on Wikipedia about "The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality" -
""The Economist called it a "resoundingly silly" caricature of economic liberalism and "a sad little book" that is simplistically dogmatic and displays "cocksure superficiality" in an abusive tone. The review suggested that the book would receive "low marks if presented by a second-year undergraduate to his tutor," and that "the case for freedom ... is ill served" by such a book. It accused von Mises of attacking straw men and having contempt for the facts of human nature, comparing him in that respect to Marxists.[1]"
Any substance to these allegations? Although I highly doubt it...(I haven't read it yet).
The "review" by The Economist fails to substantiate its claims. Even then, you should take anything that Wikipedos say with a grain of salt. Or a whole tablespoon of salt. I think that von Mises was just too libertarian for The Economist.
nameless: The "review" by The Economist fails to substantiate its claims. Even then, you should take anything that Wikipedos say with a grain of salt. Or a whole tablespoon of salt. I think that von Mises was just too libertarian for The Economist.
Yep, a lot of salt.
You can find other reviews of "The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality" on this very site. Some are rather scathing. There's a pretty funny one from the American Mercury (a defunct anti-semitic newspaper) about how Mises overlooks the "strategic placement of Communists in our educational system" or some such.
Two things. First and foremost, quit using Wikipedia right now. There are much better encyclopedic sites on the web, every bit as free as Wikipedia but written by people that don't simply cut and paste articles or whole book parts and then defend intellectual property rights. Second thing: have you ever tried explain the fundamental tenets of Austrian Economics to people? That's the reaction you usually get. We live in a Socialist world pal, there's no room for "crackpots".
Yes, it's time for the Dr Goebbels show!
As much as you should take a review that can't support its claim seriously, there's a tiny bit of truth in there. The book is very partisan and makes no attempt to hide it, it's most certainly not an impartial piece of writing.
Also, I don't know why people take such an issue with his tone. I've heard other complaints about Mises's tone being "arrogant", by an Austrian no less.
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"
Bob Dylan
It's weird, because I find Ayn Rand's tone much more arrogant than Mises.
Hoppe's writing style can come across as arrogant. Especially if one disagrees with him, I suppose.
I don't think anyone can top John Kenneth Galbraith and his "sustained sneer", as Murray Rothbard put it.
GilesStratton: Hoppe's writing style can come across as arrogant. Especially if one disagrees with him, I suppose.
Hoppe is not arrogant, he is outrageous. He tells the truth no matter who is offended.
Ayn Rand is arrogant.
Microsecession as a strategy for revolution | Challenge to minarchist | How would a private road system work?
S/arrogant/provocative.
I honestly don't give a shit if leftists or mainstreamers consider several libertarian thinkers to be "arrogant". Their own thinkers are either cowards who mince their words or idiot savants who prefer dressing their message up in inscrutably complex terminology, when it could be far better conveyed in more pedestrian terms (that'd also sap it of any of its mystique, and thus any of its allure...). If they think the declaration of the truth is "arrogant" it's only because their minds are so utterly fucked up by relativism. I have little time for such clowns.
To darkness I condemn you...
Kakugo: First and foremost, quit using Wikipedia right now.
First and foremost, quit using Wikipedia right now.
I don't see the problem with wikipedia. The writer did just say that The Economist said it. And I'm sure one writer for the Economist in some editorial buried somewhere and not the whole magazine.
Though, I would like some links to similar sites like wikipedia if you have them.
Given that
1) the review was written in 1957, and
2) that socialism was the major intellectual tend of the time, and
3) that Mises never uses white gloves to tell the truth as he sees it, and
4) that this book isn't meant to make the case for freedom, as the reviewer seems to expect from it, but to explain why so many people are against it...
I can understand why it would annoy some people, especially if they don't share a main assumption of the book, which is that the reader understand why capitalism is good.
The first time I read it, I thought it was not so hot - sort of a long rant. As the years have gone on, I realize now that it is filled with amazing insight, particular as regards the critique of capitalism that it dumbs down the culture. Mises's insights here are completely new. The resulted in a creating a new field of research in literature criticism and the arts -- about the relationship between the market and high culture. There is still more in this book that hasn't been fully mined. His comments on the resentment of the cousins and the resentment of the intellectuals: there is so much to this. In fact, Garrett's novel called Harrangue substantiates much of this. I don't think this book should be overlooked by anyone. Mises had it all together. It is a splendid work, and a special thanks to Paul Cantor of Univ. of Virginia for being one of the first to see what this book has to offer
Jeffrey TuckerEditorial VP, Mises
Kakugo: Two things. First and foremost, quit using Wikipedia right now. There are much better encyclopedic sites on the web, every bit as free as Wikipedia but written by people that don't simply cut and paste articles or whole book parts and then defend intellectual property rights. Second thing: have you ever tried explain the fundamental tenets of Austrian Economics to people? That's the reaction you usually get. We live in a Socialist world pal, there's no room for "crackpots".
<---------Grins evilly
Ludwig von Mises Institute | 518 West Magnolia Avenue | Auburn, Alabama 36832-4528
Phone: 334.321.2100 · Fax: 334.321.2119
contact@Mises.org | webmaster | AOL-IM MainMises
Mises.org sitemap