Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: What book is a good introduction to Austrian thought?

  1. #1

    What book is a good introduction to Austrian thought?

    I don't think I am ready for anything challenging and dense. It's not really Austrian, but I have recently read the law, Road to serfdom, and economics in 1 lesson.



  2. Remove this section of ads by registering.
  3. #2
    If you want to start at the beginning of Austrian thought.> Principles of Economics by Carl Menger
    http://mises.org/etexts/menger/principles.asp
    Here is a good start to understanding economics. > Lessons for the Young Economist by Robert P. Murphy
    Business Cycle and interventionism. > America's Great Depression by Murray N. Rothbard
    Since this is a subject you have brought up in a previous thread, you may want to actually read it. > Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth by Ludwig von Mises
    http://mises.org/Literature
    Quote Originally Posted by BuddyRey View Post
    Do you think it's a coincidence that the most cherished standard of the Ron Paul campaign was a sign highlighting the word "love" inside the word "revolution"? A revolution not based on love is a revolution doomed to failure. So, at the risk of sounding corny, I just wanted to let you know that, wherever you stand on any of these hot-button issues, and even if we might have exchanged bitter words or harsh sentiments in the past, I love each and every one of you - no exceptions!

    "When goods do not cross borders, soldiers will." Frederic Bastiat

    Peace.

  4. #3
    Since you read road to serf, I think your introduction is there. You also read econ in 1 lesson so that's good. I would say Human Action is the next best to read. Principles by Menger is also good. Probably the best econ book. That's about it.

  5. #4
    In my opinion, do not try to read Human Action. Quite simply, it is poorly written - partly because it is a translation to English, and partly if not mainly because Mises is a poor writer. Anyone who writes whole paragraphs on the order of 20-30 lines with no periods is extremely hard to follow. The ideas are great, but they can be accessed in more palatable ways.

    My personal favorite is Hayek's "The Fatal Conceit: The Errors of Socialism". While not a long book, it is very dense in ideas and arguments. Another great book that is in essay format (easier to read) is Rand's "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal".
    Last edited by buenijo; 08-10-2014 at 01:57 PM.
    "There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs." Thomas Sowell

  6. #5
    Supposedly one of Schiff's books is a really good intro to Austrian ideas. The one about healthy economies and why they fail or something.

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by buenijo View Post
    In my opinion, do not try to read Human Action. Quite simply, it is poorly written - partly because it is a translation to English, and partly if not mainly because Mises is a poor writer. Anyone who writes whole paragraphs on the order of 20-30 lines with no periods is extremely hard to follow. The ideas are great, but they can be accessed in more palatable ways.

    My personal favorite is Hayek's "The Fatal Conceit: The Errors of Socialism". While not a long book, it is very dense in ideas and arguments. Another great book that is in essay format (easier to read) is Rand's "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal".
    There is a study guide for HA now. It's much easier to read.

  8. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by buenijo View Post
    In my opinion, do not try to read Human Action. Quite simply, it is poorly written - partly because it is a translation to English, and partly if not mainly because Mises is a poor writer. ".
    Mises wrote Human Action in English. Which only makes it more amazing.

    But for an intro to Austrian Econ, I suggest Economics for Real People.
    The proper concern of society is the preservation of individual freedom; the proper concern of the individual is the harmony of society.

    "Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow." - Byron

    "Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe." - Milton

  9. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Acala View Post
    Mises wrote Human Action in English.
    It's actually not so straightforward. Mises wrote Human Action as an English edition for a previous work written in German. However, since Human Action was not a direct translation of the former work, then I must agree - it should be considered as originally written in English. Interestingly, the Ludwig von Mises Institute web site (mises.org) has this to say about Human Action: "The masterpiece first appeared in German in 1940 and then disappeared, only to reappear in English in 1949." http://mises.org/document/3250 . Again, I'll go with the former position since evidence shows it was not a direct translation of the German work.

    In any case, it is a form of torture to follow the arguments in many passages.
    Last edited by buenijo; 08-19-2014 at 07:02 PM.
    "There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs." Thomas Sowell



  10. Remove this section of ads by registering.
  11. #9
    I would start with Ron Paul. Not Austrian I guess but it's a great place to start and there's reading lists at the end of his books.

    I always recommend to people that they work backwards... start with the more recent stuff by people like Schiff, Paul, Murphy, and Woods and then work backwards until you get to to Mises.

    I found going backwards made the most sense because a lot of the older stuff is difficult to read and it's easier to put into context if you have a better idea going into them of what they're actually trying to say.
    It's just an opinion... man...



Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-09-2014, 09:38 AM
  2. Introduction to Austrian Economics
    By Omphfullas Zamboni in forum Austrian Economics / Economic Theory
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 04-07-2012, 05:10 PM
  3. Best Introduction to Austrian Economics
    By TexanRudeBoy in forum Austrian Economics / Economic Theory
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 07-02-2010, 01:21 PM
  4. Video: An Introduction and Reading List for Austrian Economics
    By AlexMerced in forum Austrian Economics / Economic Theory
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-26-2010, 09:22 PM
  5. Video: An Introduction and Reading List for Austrian Economics
    By AlexMerced in forum Austrian Economics / Economic Theory
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-26-2010, 08:47 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •