I would have government defend the life and property of all citizens equally; protect all willing exchange; suppress and penalize all fraud, all misrepresentation, all violence, all predatory practices; invoke a common justice under law; and keep the records incidental… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
The system of plunder derives much of its support from individuals who do not subscribe to socialism but who say, 'We're paying for it, so we might as well get our share' — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
Once an activity has been socialized, it is impossible to point out, by concrete example, how men in a free market could better conduct… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
There is no moral distinction between petty thievery and 'from each according to ability, to each according to need.' — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
Whenever government assumed responsibility for the security, welfare, and prosperity of citizens, the costs of government rise beyond the point where it is politically… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
The solution to this problem [welfare-statism] must take a positive form: the restoration of a faith in what free men can accomplish. — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
The libertarian can have no truck with 'left' or 'right' because he regrets any form of authoritarianism - the use of police force to… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
Is it not obvious that the more complex an economy, the more certainly will governmental control of productive effort exert a retarding influence? — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
In market terms, one is entitled to what others will offer in willing exchange. That is all! — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
Socialism takes and redistributes wealth, but it is utterly incapable of creating wealth. — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
What precisely is this disease that causes inflation and all these other troubles? It has many popular names, such as socialism, communism, state interventionism,… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
The right way is the greatest gratifier of human wishes ever come upon - when allowed to operate. It is as morally sound as… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
[S]tatism is but socialized dishonesty; it is feathering the nests of some with feathers coercively plucked from others - on the grand scale. There… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image
There is really nothing that can be done except by an individual. Only individuals can learn. Only individuals can think creatively. Only individuals can… — Leonard Read Copy Share Image