Skip to content

In the socialist commonwealth every economic change…

“In the socialist commonwealth every economic change becomes an undertaking whose success can be neither appraised in advance nor later retrospectively determined. There is only groping in the dark. Socialism is the abolition of rational economy.” quote by Ludwig von Mises
Download Open image
“In the socialist commonwealth every economic change becomes an undertaking whose success can be neither appraised in advance nor later retrospectively determined. There is only groping in the dark. Socialism is the abolition of rational economy.”

Ludwig von Mises

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Socialist economies lack clear metrics for success, leading to uncertainty and trial‑and‑error planning.

In simple terms: Socialism makes economic outcomes unpredictable.

Key Takeaway

Seek transparent, measurable goals in any system.

Themes

economics uncertainty planning

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic political

When to use this quote

  • policy design
  • business strategy
  • public budgeting

Key Concepts

socialist theory rational choice measurement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can planners improve foresight?
  • What metrics could better assess socialist projects?
A Different Perspective

The critique may overlook successes of planned economies.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ludwig von Mises

Explore all 637 Ludwig von Mises quotes

More Abolition quotes

Browse all 229 Abolition quotes