Defending the Undefendable

By: Walter Block

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Professor Block's book is among the most famous of the great defenses of victimless crimes and controversial economic practices, from profiteering and gouging to bribery and blackmail. However, beneath the surface, this book is also an outstanding work of microeconomic theory that explains the workings of economic forces in everyday events and affairs.

Murray Rothbard explains why: "Defending the Undefendable performs the service of highlighting, in the fullest and starkest terms, the essential nature of the productive services performed by all people in the free market. By taking the most extreme examples and showing how the Smithian principles work even in these cases, the book does far more to demonstrate the workability and morality of the free market than a dozen sober tomes on more respectable industries and activities. By testing and proving the extreme cases, he all the more illustrates and vindicates the theory.

"F.A. Hayek agreed, writing the author as follows: "Looking through Defending the Undefendable made me feel that I was once more exposed to the shock therapy by which, more than fifty years ago, the late Ludwig von Mises converted me to a consistent free market position. Even now I am occasionally at first incredulous and feel that 'this is going too far,' but usually find in the end that you are right. Some may find it too strong a medicine, but it will still do them good even if they hate it. A real understanding of economics demands that one disabuses oneself of many dear prejudices and illusions. Popular fallacies in economics frequently express themselves in unfounded prejudices against other occupations, and in showing the falsity of these stereotypes you are doing a real service, although you will not make yourself more popular with the majority."

©2008 Ludwig von Mises Institute (P)2008 Ludwig von Mises Institute

Stretching My Mind

What made the experience of listening to Defending the Undefendable the most enjoyable?

Mr. Block stretched my mind in new directions. I was introduced to new perspectives on topics that I thought I knew, and I was surprised when I changed someone of my longest-held opinions. Who knew that discrimination and regulation affects so many facets of our lives!?

Main idea needs to be defended, not assumed

Any additional comments?

The underlining idea of the book is the nonaggression principle. I happen to agree with the principle. However, I do not believe the book will convince anyone who does not already accept it. Dr. Block simply assumes it and makes his arguments from there.

Good for the new libertarian

What made the experience of listening to Defending the Undefendable the most enjoyable?

The arguments and sides of the debate the author takes are sometimes humorous but legitimate at the same time.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

it's about logic and why some of our current outlooks on what is morally and legally wrong is laughable when you really break it down, look at it from the law breaker's point of view.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

it is old.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

the author's argument for why the slumlord is a positive part of the community and economy.

Excellent.

If a small percentage of Americans understood such simple ideas, things would be so much better. The world would be a much better place; less war; more prosperity and happiness.

Brilliant devil's advocate

while the author may be quite serious with his arguments, it's fun just to listen to a man argue why it's virtuous to litter, blackmail, and exploit those around you.