Ludwig von Mises

A number of readers have inquired about Austrian economics and Austrian economists. The Dean of the modern Austrian school was Ludwig von Mises. For those wanting to read about his life, I recommend this book. The book is a remarkable account of his life and times and his intersection with some of the great events of the 20th Century.

It has been described as follows:

Hülsmann’s work is a scholarly tour de force that is easily the best, most researched, and most significant biography of Mises. Hülsmann displays an extraordinary knowledge of the economic literature that is both humbling and inspiring. It is clear he has read everything on Mises. Not only has he read and digested Mises’s works, but Hülsmann places Mises in the context of the Austrian historical, political, and social setting. He also shows how Mises and his contribution to economics fit into the larger history of the Austrian tradition. More, Hülsmann successfully contextualizes Mises and the Austrian economic tradition in light of the entire history of economic thought.

For beginning economics students, the economics will likely be tough sledding. Fortunately the book is more about the man and his times.

Mises was one of the great  minds of the Twentieth Century. Yet his journey was a lonely one. He was shunned by the establishment because he represented a threat to their scams. Despite obvious superiority to his peers, he was forced to work virtually in exile. Despite lack of remuneration and recognition, he managed to produce breakthrough contributions to economics and influenced many economists who studied under him.

He was truly a remarkable man and intellect. Now, after his death, Austrian economics is increasingly being seen as correct. Statists of all persuasions know that if his ideas to become popular, their days are over.

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