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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…” quote by Henry Hazlitt
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“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.”

Henry Hazlitt

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.

Key Takeaway

Question the integrity of managed currencies and consider alternatives.

Themes

financial criticism inflation monetary policy

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

economic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • policy analysis
  • personal budgeting
  • historical financial study
  • advocacy for sound money

Key Concepts

economic deception currency debasement gold standard trust erosion

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can managed currencies ever be transparent?
  • What safeguards could protect against debasement?
A Different Perspective

The view may ignore benefits of flexible monetary tools for economic stability.

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