The system of mercantilism needed no high-flown “theory” to get launched. It came naturally to the ruling castes of the burgeoning nation-states. Theory came later — to sell to the deluded masses. FULL ARTICLE by Murray Rothbard
Interesting articles today on the Mises.com home page. This one and another by Riggenbach that show how those who rule – not necessarily those who govern – typically disdain any type of popular movement towards peaceful voluntary association. As Rothbard points out here, this is nothing new and falls right in line with “ruling caste” tradition. Reminds me of how pointless the obsession with the political process usually is, from the point-of-view of the people.
Hard Rain
35 mos, 3 wks ago
What’s more amazing is that you still get ordinary people today who think Mercantilist policies would actually benefit them. I guess the “deluded masses” sure got sold.
Interesting articles today on the Mises.com home page. This one and another by Riggenbach that show how those who rule – not necessarily those who govern – typically disdain any type of popular movement towards peaceful voluntary association. As Rothbard points out here, this is nothing new and falls right in line with “ruling caste” tradition. Reminds me of how pointless the obsession with the political process usually is, from the point-of-view of the people.
What’s more amazing is that you still get ordinary people today who think Mercantilist policies would actually benefit them. I guess the “deluded masses” sure got sold.