Assured Quote by Henry Hazlitt
“In practice [monetary management] is merely a high-sounding euphemism for continuous currency debasement. It consists of constant lying in order to support constant swindling. Instead of automatic currencies based on gold, people are forced to take managed currencies based on guile. Instead of precious metals they hold paper promises whose value falls with every bureaucratic whim. And they are suavely assured that only hopelessly antiquated minds dream of returning to truth and honesty and solvency and gold.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt, 1949
The passage critiques modern monetary policy as a deceptive practice that devalues currency, arguing it replaces tangible assets like gold with manipulated paper money, eroding trust and solvency.
In simple terms: Monetary policy is seen as a lie that devalues money and replaces real value with promises.
Question the integrity of managed currencies and consider alternatives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- policy analysis
- personal budgeting
- historical financial study
- advocacy for sound money
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can managed currencies ever be transparent?
- What safeguards could protect against debasement?
The view may ignore benefits of flexible monetary tools for economic stability.