Liberalism

In the Classical Tradition

By: Ludwig von Mises

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

In 1927, classical liberalism, based on a belief in individualism, reason, capitalism, and free trade, was dying, when one of the 20th century's greatest social thinkers wrote this combative and convincing restatement. Nowhere are the key principles of Mises' philosophy better represented than in this timeless work.

Mises was a careful and logical theoretician who believed that ideas rule the world, and this especially comes to light in Liberalism.

"The ultimate outcome of the struggle" between liberalism and totalitarianism, say Mises, "will not be decided by arms, but by ideas. It is ideas that group men into fighting factions, that press the weapons into their hands, and that determine against whom and for whom the weapons shall be used. It is they alone, and not arms, that, in the last analysis, turn the scales."

Public Domain (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Excellent! Need I say more?

What made the experience of listening to Liberalism the most enjoyable?

This book explains what real Classical Liberalism is, not the current Liberalism known to the North Americans who hijacked the term and made it mean exactly the opposite of what it is supposed to be! Here you here it from the best Libertarian Austrian Economist of them all!

Classical Liberalism Explained

Ludwig Von Mises does a thorough job of explaining classical liberalism in this book. I must admit that its characteristics are in American society, largely nonexistent. Special interests have massively co-opted nearly all of our institutions (both private and public). Nevertheless, we must be prepared to give an answer to those who are, or will be disillusioned by the current state of affairs. To that end, this book is very helpful!

Almost a monotone voice

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes! But most of the people who need to hear this wouldn't take the time.

What other book might you compare Liberalism to and why?

On Liberty: John Stuart Mill

What three words best describe Wanda McCaddon’s performance?

Better a male voice...sorry

Was Liberalism worth the listening time?

Yes... a piece at a time.

Any additional comments?

Almost never disappointed.

A must-read/listen

An indispensable defense of classical liberalism. highly recommended listen! I enjoyed it immensely and learned a lot.

Doing great, until...

Reveals that the foundation of the "liberal ideology" he wants implemented is founded on the rocks of the "pure sciences" of sociology and economics. Neither is a science, let alone pure. Also, when everyone everywhere has to live the way you want or your system won't work, you need a new ideal system. Helpfully reveals what an unrealistically idealistic view this version of liberalism is.

Still, this is an essential introduction to "classical" liberalism, which is not what the epithet-version of that word means today.

good summary of Classical Liberalism

A necessary and simple guide on the nuances between rhe key political ideologies explainimg clearly the obvious pitfalls of socialism and also of hibrid approaches which may all be considered as interventionism. Only Liberalism by keeping State intervention to the Core and Noble mission of providing essentially Security, Health,Justice and Education and also by ensuring that Economy and Society run by its Natural Course within the Law and suoported on Capitalism and the Basic principle of Private Property, will contribute to the Highest productivity of labor and Overall prosperity of the Community! God bless Mises for his emlightened Work!

Classical Liberalism Defined

The meaning of the modem use of the term "liberal" is in direct opposition to that of it's origin. True liberalism is the advocation for maximum liberty. Mises argues that there were no better terms to describe this philosophy and that there were no political parties that truly favored liberalism. The label "libertarian" best fulfills this purpose and despite it's many current shortcomings, the Libertarian Party is meant to be that political institution. I believe the terms "liberal" and "liberalism" may be forever lost, but the ideas will continue on. This book does an excellent job at explaining these ideas and extolling their righteous virtue!

True Liberalism

The term “Liberal” has been subsequently perverted & subjugated by today’s Leftists going back to the early 1950s. In 1927 Von Mises mapped out what true Liberalism is in view of the 18th-19th centuries when the term was birthed and stood for non government intervention in the economy and non government interference in the lives of individuals. Today’s true Liberals - Classical Liberals - need to reclaim the “Liberal” moniker.

Great (except chapters misaligned)

Content and narration were excellent, but chapters don't match up between text and in Audible.

Must read for all 'liberals '

it's the kind of book everyone must read. For liberals it's necessary to read and understand to regain the understanding of a liberal world. Today's modern liberal has abandoned Liberty for poverty and enslavement.