Murray N. Rothbard: A Pioneer of Libertarian Thought


Full Name and Common Aliases


Murray Newton Rothbard was a renowned American economist, historian, philosopher, and social theorist. He is commonly referred to as M.N. Rothbard or simply Rothbard.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on March 2, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, Murray N. Rothbard passed away on January 7, 1995, at the age of 68.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Rothbard held dual citizenship of the United States and Austria, and he was a prominent figure in various fields: economics, history, philosophy, and politics. He is best known for his work as an economist and social theorist, advocating for laissez-faire capitalism and libertarianism.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, Rothbard developed an interest in economics and politics at a young age. His family moved to New Jersey when he was 12, where he attended high school and began reading extensively on classical liberalism and Austrian economics. This exposure laid the foundation for his future intellectual pursuits.

Major Accomplishments


Rothbard's academic career spanned several institutions, including Columbia University, where he earned a Ph.D. in economics in 1956. He went on to teach at various universities, including Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and the New School for Social Research. Rothbard's most notable achievements include:

Developing the Austrian School of Economics' American branch
Co-founding the Libertarian Party with David Nolan in 1971
Authoring influential works like "Man, Economy, and State" (1962) and "For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto" (1973)

Notable Works or Actions


Rothbard's contributions to libertarian thought are extensive. Some of his notable works include:

Man, Economy, and State (1962): A comprehensive treatise on Austrian economics and the critique of government intervention in markets.
For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto (1973): A seminal work outlining Rothbard's vision for libertarian society and politics.
The Ethics of Liberty (1982): A collection of essays exploring the moral foundations of free-market capitalism.

Impact and Legacy


Murray N. Rothbard's influence on libertarian thought and movement cannot be overstated. His critiques of government intervention, emphasis on individual liberty, and advocacy for laissez-faire capitalism have inspired generations of libertarians worldwide. The Austrian School of Economics has continued to thrive under his guidance, shaping the intellectual landscape of contemporary libertarianism.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Rothbard's ideas have been widely disseminated through his writings, lectures, and interviews. His commitment to individual liberty and free-market capitalism has made him a prominent figure in libertarian circles. As a result, his quotes and thoughts are frequently referenced in discussions on economics, politics, and philosophy, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

Rothbard's life and work serve as a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and dedication to ideas. His impact will continue to be felt for generations to come, inspiring libertarians and scholars alike to champion individual liberty and limited government intervention in markets.

Quotes by Murray N. Rothbard

Murray N. Rothbard's insights on:

Therefore, the chief task of the rulers is always to secure the active or resigned acceptance of the majority of the citizens.8, 9 Of course, one method of securing support is through the creation of vested economic interests.
"
Therefore, the chief task of the rulers is always to secure the active or resigned acceptance of the majority of the citizens.8, 9 Of course, one method of securing support is through the creation of vested economic interests.
Any increase in the relative size of government in the economy, therefore, shifts the societal consumption-investment ratio in favor of consumption, and prolongs the depression.
"
Any increase in the relative size of government in the economy, therefore, shifts the societal consumption-investment ratio in favor of consumption, and prolongs the depression.
The State provides a legal, orderly, systematic channel for the predation of private property;.
"
The State provides a legal, orderly, systematic channel for the predation of private property;.
Mais uma vez, os ricardianos abriram caminho para o sistema marxista.
"
Mais uma vez, os ricardianos abriram caminho para o sistema marxista.
If “we are the government,” then anything a government does to an individual is not only just and untyrannical but also “voluntary” on the part of the individual concerned.
"
If “we are the government,” then anything a government does to an individual is not only just and untyrannical but also “voluntary” on the part of the individual concerned.
For money as for all other activities of man, “liberty is the mother, not the daughter, of order.
"
For money as for all other activities of man, “liberty is the mother, not the daughter, of order.
In sum, freedom can run a monetary system as superbly as it runs the rest of the economy. Contrary to many writers, there is nothing special about money that requires extensive governmental dictation. Here, too, free men will best and most smoothly supply all their economic wants. For money as for all other activities of man, “liberty is the mother, not the daughter, of order.
"
In sum, freedom can run a monetary system as superbly as it runs the rest of the economy. Contrary to many writers, there is nothing special about money that requires extensive governmental dictation. Here, too, free men will best and most smoothly supply all their economic wants. For money as for all other activities of man, “liberty is the mother, not the daughter, of order.
The last few centuries were times when men tried to place constitutional and other limits on the State, only to find that such limits, as with all other attempts, have failed. Of all the numerous forms that governments have taken over the centuries, of all the concepts and institutions that have been tried, none has succeeded in keeping the State in check.
"
The last few centuries were times when men tried to place constitutional and other limits on the State, only to find that such limits, as with all other attempts, have failed. Of all the numerous forms that governments have taken over the centuries, of all the concepts and institutions that have been tried, none has succeeded in keeping the State in check.
If the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries were, in many countries of the West, times of accelerating social power, and a corollary increase in freedom, peace, and material welfare, the twentieth century has been primarily an age in which State power has been catching up – with a consequent reversion to slavery, war, and destruction.43 In.
"
If the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries were, in many countries of the West, times of accelerating social power, and a corollary increase in freedom, peace, and material welfare, the twentieth century has been primarily an age in which State power has been catching up – with a consequent reversion to slavery, war, and destruction.43 In.
The concept of life and perfection is incompatible. BUT so is death and perfection.
"
The concept of life and perfection is incompatible. BUT so is death and perfection.
Showing 1 to 10 of 65 results