. . . [A]s soon as we surrender the principle that the state should not interfere in any questions touching on the individual's mode of life, we end by regulating and restricting the latter down to the smallest detail.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mises warns that allowing the state to interfere in personal lifestyle choices leads to total regulation of daily life.
- In plain terms
- If you let the government control how people live, it will eventually control every detail.
- What can you take from it?
- Guard personal freedom against state interference in private life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where should the line be drawn between safety and freedom?
- Can we limit government power without harming society?
Another view
Some argue limited state intervention is necessary to protect others from harm.
More from Ludwig von Mises
This, then, is freedom in the external life of man - that he is independent of the arbitrary power of his fellows.
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