Philosophy and Methodology

"Law for Rousseau is essentially a device whereby those in possession protect themselves against the 'have-nots.'"

Rothbard's discussion of utility constitutes only one strand in his powerfully argued case that Smith derailed economics from the analytical achievements of the scholastics and their French and Italian successors.

"The new democracy having inherited the power so long used against it, now shows every disposition to use that power as ruthlessly as any other governing organ ever has used it."

In conclusion, Thom Hartmann's economic views are based on misinformation.

Reisman shows himself ever alert to defend capitalism against objection, and I found especially impressive his demolition of Marx's argument that profit derives from exploiting labor.

"An authoritarian state can never be peaceful because it can never be healthy; even if such a nation is unable to carry on a war against other nations, it is still at war with its own citizens."

Although evils exist in both the shared and private forms of a city, it is only in the private form that the virtues of temperance, love, and generosity can be exercised.

"We know of no force which could act for the satisfaction of human desires so as to make the satisfaction equal for a number of men…"

Recorded at the Mises Circle in Seattle, September 12th, 2009. Includes introductory and closing remarks by Douglas French. Sponsored by James M.

Rothbard's willingness to engage in frank criticism of bad ideas from any source only underscores his insistence on honesty and independence of mind.