stock here: looks like some required beach reading! Think of reaction of Doctors and “Science” in the so-called pandemic.
“The way which, in the end, with few exceptions, her scholars and scientists put themselves readily at the service of the new rulers is one of the most depressing and shameful spectacles in the whole history of the rise of National Socialism. It is well known that particularly the scientists and engineers, who had so loudly claimed to be the leaders on the march to a new and better world, submitted more readily than almost any other class to the new tyranny.”
Road To Serfdom, Ch 13 The Totalitarians In Our Midst
Yes, The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich A. Hayek is rich with powerful and thought-provoking quotes that delve into the dangers of centralized planning and the erosion of individual freedoms. Here are several notable excerpts:
Goodreads
🔹 On the Dangers of Centralized Planning
“The more the state ‘plans’ the more difficult planning becomes for the individual.”
— Friedrich A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
The New Yorker
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Citatum
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Wikipedia
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This quote emphasizes how increased government control can limit personal autonomy and decision-making.
Spread Great Ideas
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Goodreads
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🔹 On Economic Control and Freedom
“Economic control is not merely control of a sector of human life which can be separated from the rest; it is the control of the means for all our ends.”
— Friedrich A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
Wikipedia
Hayek argues that economic freedom is integral to overall liberty, and its restriction can lead to broader societal control.
Wikiquote
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Wikipedia
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Wikipedia
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🔹 On the Illusion of Benevolent Tyranny
“Many who sincerely hate all of Nazism’s manifestations are working for ideals whose realization would lead straight to the abhorred tyranny.”
— Friedrich A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
The Guardian
This highlights the unintended consequences of pursuing certain ideals without considering their potential to lead to authoritarian outcomes.
🔹 On the Role of Intellectuals
“The intellectual, by his whole disposition, is uninterested in technical details or practical difficulties. What appeals to him are the broad visions, the spacious conceptions, the ideal of a new world.”
— Friedrich A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
Hayek critiques the tendency of intellectuals to support grand schemes without fully grappling with their practical implications.
Reddit
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The Guardian
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Ahh Quotes
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🔹 On Freedom and Responsibility
“It is essential that we should relearn frankly to face the fact that freedom can be had only at a price and that as individuals we must be prepared to make severe material sacrifices to preserve our liberty.”
— Friedrich A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
Intellectual Takeout
This underscores the notion that maintaining freedom often requires personal sacrifice and vigilance.
These quotes reflect Hayek’s central thesis: that well-intentioned moves toward collectivism and centralized control can inadvertently pave the way to totalitarianism. If you’re interested in exploring more, I can provide additional excerpts or delve deeper into specific chapters.