Politics

The main political problem is how to prevent the rulers from becoming despots and enslaving the citizenry.

The Theory of Money and Credit, p. 454

The worst and most dangerous form of absolutist rule is that of an intolerant majority.

Theory and History, p. 67

For the charismatic leader but one thing matters: the faithful performance of his mission no matter what the means he may be forced to resort to. He is above all laws and moral precepts. What he does is always right, and what his opponents do is always wrong.

Theory and History, p. 164

Any attempt to found a party of special interests on the bias of an equal apportionment of privileges among the majority of the population would be utterly senseless. A privilege accruing to the majority ceases to be such.

Liberalism, p. 168

There is an inherent tendency in all governmental power to recognize no restraints on its operation and to extend the sphere of its dominion as much as possible. To control everything, to leave no room for anything to happen of its own accord without the interference of the authorities—this is the goal for which every ruler secretly strives.

Liberalism, p. 67

The characteristic mark of this age of dictators, wars and revolutions is its anticapitalistic bias. Most governments and political parties are eager to restrict the sphere of private initiative and free enterprise.

Planned Chaos, p. 15

The mixing of politics and business not only is detrimental to politics, as is frequently observed, but even much more so to business.

A Critique of Interventionism, p. 162

Political realism, that hodgepodge of cynicism, lack of conscience, and unvarnished selfishness.

Nation, State, and Economy, p. 69