Hans-Hermann Hoppe


Full Name and Common Aliases


Hans-Hermann Hoppe is a renowned German-American economist, philosopher, and libertarian theorist. He is often referred to as one of the most influential thinkers in the modern libertarian movement.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on September 29, 1949, in Peine, Germany, Hans-Hermann Hoppe passed away on May 3, 2023.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Hoppe holds dual citizenship of Germany and the United States. He is a prominent economist, philosopher, and libertarian theorist who has made significant contributions to various fields, including economics, philosophy, and politics.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in post-war Germany, Hoppe was exposed to the economic and social upheaval that followed World War II. His experiences during this time had a profound impact on his worldview and shaped his future academic pursuits. After completing his education in Germany, Hoppe moved to the United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Major Accomplishments


Hoppe's work has been instrumental in shaping libertarian thought and policy. His groundbreaking theories on private property, anarcho-capitalism, and the concept of "argumentation theory" have made significant contributions to various fields. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Developing the concept of "argumentation theory," which challenges traditional notions of public discourse and political decision-making.
Proposing the idea of a "free market in law," where private institutions provide legal services, rather than the state.
Writing extensively on the importance of individual liberty, property rights, and limited government.

Notable Works or Actions


Hoppe has authored numerous books, articles, and essays that have been widely read and influential within libertarian circles. Some of his notable works include:

"The Economics and Politics of Race" (1983)
"A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism: Economics, Politics, and Ethics" (1988)
"Democracy – The God That Failed: The Economics and Politics of Monarchy, Democracy, and Oligarchy" (2001)

Impact and Legacy


Hoppe's work has had a profound impact on libertarian thought and policy. His ideas have influenced prominent thinkers, politicians, and activists around the world. He is widely credited with helping to shape modern libertarianism and inspiring a new generation of libertarians.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Hans-Hermann Hoppe's influence extends far beyond his academic contributions. His unwavering commitment to individual liberty, property rights, and limited government has inspired countless individuals to challenge the status quo and strive for a freer society. As one of the most influential libertarian thinkers of our time, Hoppe's legacy will continue to shape political discourse and policy debates for generations to come.

Hoppe's unique blend of economic theory, philosophical insight, and passionate advocacy has made him a beloved figure among libertarians worldwide. His work continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, politicians, and activists who are committed to creating a more just and free society.

Quotes by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

Hans-Hermann Hoppe's insights on:

Of course, some historians are quite content with the category “feudalism,” which they adopt to explain pretty much everything in Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. We concur with Brunner that this is “a convenient cover for everything that one does not understand about the Middle Ages.” 72.
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Of course, some historians are quite content with the category “feudalism,” which they adopt to explain pretty much everything in Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. We concur with Brunner that this is “a convenient cover for everything that one does not understand about the Middle Ages.” 72.
As a matter of fact, states everywhere are highly intent on outlawing or at least controlling even the mere possession of arms by private citizens – and most states have indeed succeeded in this task – as an armed man is clearly more of a threat to any aggressor than an unarmed man. It bears much less risk for the state to keep things peaceful while its own aggression continues, if rifles with which the taxman could be shot are out of the reach of everyone except the taxman himself!
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As a matter of fact, states everywhere are highly intent on outlawing or at least controlling even the mere possession of arms by private citizens – and most states have indeed succeeded in this task – as an armed man is clearly more of a threat to any aggressor than an unarmed man. It bears much less risk for the state to keep things peaceful while its own aggression continues, if rifles with which the taxman could be shot are out of the reach of everyone except the taxman himself!
More paper money cannot make a society richer, of course, it is just more printed-paper. Otherwise why is it that there are still poor countries and poor people around?
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More paper money cannot make a society richer, of course, it is just more printed-paper. Otherwise why is it that there are still poor countries and poor people around?
It is states that are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of people and immeasurable destruction in the 20th century alone. Compared to that, the victims of private crimes are almost negligible.
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It is states that are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of people and immeasurable destruction in the 20th century alone. Compared to that, the victims of private crimes are almost negligible.
Public officials are permitted to finance or subsidize their own activities through taxes. That is, they are permitted to engage in and live off, what in private dealings between private law subjects is prohibited and considered ‘theft’ and ‘stolen loot.’
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Public officials are permitted to finance or subsidize their own activities through taxes. That is, they are permitted to engage in and live off, what in private dealings between private law subjects is prohibited and considered ‘theft’ and ‘stolen loot.’
One-man-one-vote combined with “free entry” into government-democracy – implies that every person and his personal property comes within reach of-and is up for grabs by-everyone else: a “tragedy of the commons” is created.
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One-man-one-vote combined with “free entry” into government-democracy – implies that every person and his personal property comes within reach of-and is up for grabs by-everyone else: a “tragedy of the commons” is created.
Democracy has nothing to do with freedom. Democracy is a soft variant of communism, and rarely in the history of ideas has it been taken for anything else.
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Democracy has nothing to do with freedom. Democracy is a soft variant of communism, and rarely in the history of ideas has it been taken for anything else.
Egalitarianism, in every form and shape, is incompatible with the idea of private property.
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Egalitarianism, in every form and shape, is incompatible with the idea of private property.
The state operates in a legal vacuum. There exists no contract between the state and its citizens.
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The state operates in a legal vacuum. There exists no contract between the state and its citizens.
Democracy allows for A and B to band together to rip off C. This is not justice, but a moral outrage.
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Democracy allows for A and B to band together to rip off C. This is not justice, but a moral outrage.
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