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Ludwig von Mises: "We are still far from understanding the ultimate and most profound secret of life, the principle of the origin of organisms. Who knows whether we shall ever discover it?" - Socialism


Quotable MisesThis database of quotations from Mises was prepared for The Quotable Mises edited by Mark Thornton, available from the Mises Institute store for $20. Send corrections to the editor. Here is a source page on the editions of the books referenced.

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Top> Browse by subject: Civilization
AuthorQuoteSourcePageSubject
Ludwig von MisesWhat distinguishes civilized man from a barbarian must be acquired by every individual anew.Theory and History p. 293Civilization
Ludwig von MisesWhat distinguishes man from animals is the insight into the advantages that can be derived from cooperation under the division of labor.Human Action p. 827; p. 831Civilization
Ludwig von MisesModern civilization is a product of the philosophy of laissez faire. It cannot be preserved under the ideology of government omnipotence.Human Action p. 828; p. 832Civilization
Ludwig von MisesCivilization is a product of leisure and the peace of mind that only the division of labour can make possible.Socialism p. 271Civilization
Ludwig von MisesFor society is nothing but collaboration.Socialism p. 281Civilization
Ludwig von MisesCivilization is a work of peaceful co-operation.Socialism p. 291Civilization
Ludwig von MisesMan is born an asocial and antisocial being. The newborn child is a savage. Egoism is his nature. Only the experience of life and the teachings of his parents, his brothers, sisters, playmates, and later of other people force him to acknowledge the advantages of social cooperation and accordingly to change his behavior.Omnipotent Government p. 241Civilization
Ludwig von MisesThe foundation of any and every civilization, including our own, is private ownership of the means of production. Whoever wishes to criticize modern civilization, therefore, begins with private property.Liberalism p. 63Civilization
Ludwig von MisesModern civilization will not perish unless it does so by its own act of self-destruction. No external enemy can destroy it.Liberalism pp. 18889Civilization
Ludwig von MisesWestern civilization is based upon the libertarian principle and all its achievements are the result of the actions of free men.Economic Freedom and Interventionism p. 150Western Civilization
Ludwig von MisesThe distinctive principle of Western social philosophy is individualism.Liberty and Property p. 25Western Civilization
Ludwig von MisesThe social system of private property and limited government is the only system that tends to debarbarize all those who have the innate capacity to acquire personal culture.Liberty and Property p. 26Western Civilization
Ludwig von MisesThe eminence of the Western nations consisted in the fact that they succeeded better in checking the spirit of predatory militarism than the rest of mankind and that they thus brought forth the social institutions required for saving and investment on a broader scale.Human Action p. 497; p. 500Western Civilization
Ludwig von MisesThe nations of Western Europe brought forth the political and institutional conditions for safeguarding saving and investment on a broader scale, and thus provided the entrepreneurs with the capital needed.Omnipotent Government p. 101Western Civilization
Ludwig von MisesAll the marvelous achievements of Western civilization are fruits grown on the tree of liberty.The Theory of Money and Credit p. 454Western Civilization