Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Road to Serfdom

The economist Friedrich von Hayek is best known for his work on the business cycle but his book on the dangers of centralised planning, The Road to Serfdom has particular relevance today.

It was written at a time when the Nazis were rising to power in Germany, hence the references to war. There is a simple version, in cartoon form here.

Praised by Orwell and Keynes, it tells a tale of how citizens can end up as serfs, if they allow themselves to fall under the spell of mesmeric leaders.

5 comments:

shammi said...

Looks like we're well on our way there.

Ratmale,Minneriya,Sri Lanka said...

thanks for reminding us that what we see is a pattern of behavior we should be wary of in our own experience.

let us hope many heed this advice before serfdom and servility take over completely.

Jack Point said...

Thanks for those comments, Shammi and Ratmale.

Angel said...

Thanks for posting. Looks like this is the only version of that book I will read!

Jack Point said...

Good enough, Angel!