Mises Institute
Mises Institute
The Mises Institute, founded in 1982, is an educational institution devoted to advancing Austrian economics, freedom, and peace in the classical-liberal tradition. Our website offers many thousands of free books and thousands of hours of audio and video, along with the full run of rare journals, biographies, and bibliographies of great economists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 11, 2025 • 44min
Chapter 3. Motivations of Donations
This discussion uncovers the emotional reasons behind charitable giving, highlighting the role of love and family in motivating generosity. It contrasts the idealistic versus utilitarian views of friendship, showcasing how genuine relationships influence altruistic behaviors. The podcast also delves into the complexities of gift-giving and how cultural perceptions shape acts of kindness. Additionally, it examines the impact of inheritance on economic inequality, raising questions about fairness and moral implications in wealth distribution.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
Chapter 11. Haunted Donations
Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State
Chapter 11 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 333–364 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 8min
Preface
In this discussion, Jorga Guido Hülsmann, a Professor of Economics at the University of Angers and a senior fellow at the Mises Institute, introduces captivating insights from his book on economic principles. He emphasizes the vital role of gratuitous goods, like love and friendship, in understanding economic systems. Hülsmann highlights how these intangible assets influence capital accumulation and leisure. He shares his intellectual journey and argues for a more inclusive approach to economic analysis that acknowledges the value of these often-overlooked contributions.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 24min
Chapter 5. The Economics of Donations
Delve into the fascinating dynamics of donations versus standard economic transactions. Discover how subjective value influences personal giving and the broader implications of altruism in markets. Explore the competitive space between charitable donations and economic growth, revealing a shift toward relational gifts. Unpack the virtues essential for cooperation and trust in production processes. Finally, investigate how large philanthropic organizations navigate for-profit management strategies and the intricacies of economic evaluation in diverse sectors.

Apr 11, 2025 • 55min
Chapter 9. Interventionism
Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State
Chapter 9 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 261–290 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 39min
Chapter 4. Reciprocations
Part One: The Nature of Gratuitous Goods
Chapter 4 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 117–136 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 22min
Chapter 6. Beneficial Side Effects of Human Action
The discussion highlights how human actions can lead to unexpected benefits, not just for individuals, but for society at large. It emphasizes the joy and creativity that arise from pursuing virtue and leisure rather than direct happiness. Cultural appropriation is examined as a catalyst for growth, showcasing how nations enrich each other's identities. Additionally, the podcast explores how human errors and market dynamics contribute to both profits and losses, ultimately driving innovation and efficiency in economic practices.

Apr 11, 2025 • 12min
Conclusion
The Conclusion to Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 393–398 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 58min
Chapter 7. The Equivalence Postulate
Explore the pivotal role of side-effect goods in driving economic growth and the spontaneous creation of services in market exchanges. Delve into Aristotelian justice, emphasizing fairness in resource distribution and the importance of quantitative equality. Gain insights into market exchanges through the lens of value equality, addressing the significance of property rights. Examine labor as a measure of value, critiquing exploitation within capitalist systems. Finally, uncover how positive externalities contribute to market functionality, challenging traditional economic perspectives.

Apr 11, 2025 • 10min
Why Trump Can't (or Won't) Abolish the IRS
Two reasons why Trump won't/can't get rid of the IRS:
1. It's political suicide to get rid of payroll taxes.
2. Tariff revenue isn't nearly enough to fund the federal government at the levels the welfare/spending-addicted voters demand.
Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL


