Political parties Quote by Ludwig Von Mises
““Because in [Lenin's] eyes the workers were only workers and not also customers, he believed they were already slaves under capitalism, and that one did not change their status when nationalizing all plants and shops. Socialism substitutes the sovereignty of a dictator, or committee of dictators, for the sovereignty of the consumers. Along with the economic sovereignty of the citizens disappears also their political sovereignty. To the unique production plan that annuls any planning on the part of the consumers corresponds in the constitutional sphere the one party principle that deprives the citizens of any opportunity to plan the course of public affairs. Freedom is indivisible. He who has not the faculty to choose among various brands of canned food or soap, is also deprived of the power to choose between various political parties and programs and to elect the officeholders. He is no longer a man; he becomes a pawn in the hands of the supreme social engineer. Even his freedom to rear progeny will be taken away by eugenics.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Action, 1949
The author argues that socialism replaces consumer sovereignty with dictatorial control, eroding both economic and political freedoms, and equates loss of consumer choice with loss of political agency.
In simple terms: Socialism limits both market and political freedom, making people dependent on the state.
Guard against systems that concentrate power and limit choice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- education reform
- civil liberties
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can freedom exist without some coordination?
- What balance between individual choice and collective good is acceptable?
The argument may overlook potential benefits of collective welfare.