All rational action is in the first place individual action. Only the individual thinks. Only the individual reasons. Only the individual acts. -- Socialism, p. 97
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mises emphasizes that rational action originates from the individual, who must think, reason, and act independently.
- In plain terms
- Only individuals can think, reason, and act on their own.
- What can you take from it?
- Individual agency is the foundation of rational action.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can groups act rationally without individuals?
- What enables individual reasoning?
Another view
Collective actions are often overlooked in this individual-centric view.
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