The idea that political freedom can be preserved in the absence of economic freedom, and vice versa, is an illusion. Political freedom is the corollary of economic freedom.
Ludwig Von MisesRead
The "progressives" who today masquerade as "liberals" may rant against "fascism"; yet it is their policy that paves the way for Hitlerism. Nothing could have been more helpful to the success of the National-Socialist (Nazi) movement than the methods used by the "progressives," denouncing Nazism as a party serving the interests of "capital." The German workers knew this tactic too well to be deceived by it again.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques those who claim to uphold liberal values while supporting policies that could lead to authoritarianism.
Ludwig Von Mises argues that self-identified progressives and liberals may oppose fascism verbally, but the policies they advocate can inadvertently aid the rise of authoritarian regimes like Nazism. He suggests that these political tactics, which frame Nazism as merely a capitalist tool, fail to resonate with the working class who have seen through such rhetoric before.
Themes
PoliticsLiberalismFascismAuthoritarianismHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate discussing the consequences of modern progressive policies.
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