Economics Quote by Ludwig Von Mises
““All varieties of the producers' policy are advocated on the ground of their alleged ability to raise the party members' standard of living. Protectionism and economic self-sufficiency, labor union pressure and compulsion, labor legislation, minimum wage rates, public spending, credit expansion, subsidies, and other makeshifts are always recommended by their advocates as the most suitable or the only means to increase the real income of the people for whose votes they canvass. Every contemporary statesman or politician invariably tells his voters: My program will make you as affluent as conditions may permit, while my adversaries' program will bring you want and misery.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Action by Ludwig von Mises, 1949
Politicians promise policies that claim to boost living standards, but many are protectionist or interventionist measures that may not truly increase real income.
In simple terms: Politicians claim policies raise living standards, but often they are protectionist or interventionist.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize policy claims beyond rhetoric.
Themes
politics
economics
public policy
populism
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- voter persuasion
- legislative lobbying
Key Concepts
inflation
government intervention
voter manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports the claim that a policy raises real income?
- How can voters assess the true impact of economic proposals?
A Different Perspective
Policies may benefit special interests more than the general populace.
