Accumulation Quote by Ludwig von Mises
“History does not provide any example of capital accumulation brought about by a government. As far as governments invested in the construction of roads, railroads, and other useful public works, the capital needed was provided by the savings of individual citizens and borrowed by the government.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Action, Ludwig von Mises, 1949
Government infrastructure is funded by private savings, not by capital accumulation directly.
In simple terms: Public works rely on citizen savings and borrowing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize private sector’s role in public investment.
Themes
economics
government
capital
public works
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- infrastructure development
- economic theory
Key Concepts
entrepreneurship
fiscal policy
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do governments finance large projects?
- What are alternatives to private savings?
A Different Perspective
Assumes efficient private savings mobilization.
