The author doesn’t seem to know much about AE, or he doesn’t have a very strong grasp of the topics that he covers. Then again, I don’t either, I just don’t see these little essays as particularly devistating. What do you think, Mises community?
Also, if you want some extra lulz, read some of his writings political writings. Anyone know who this guy is?
Edit: I hope I’m not violating any forum rules by posting a link to an outside website. If I am, let me know so that I can take it down.
The author hasn’t grasped the Austrian concepts strong enough to critique them properly. His analysis and historical perspective is full of holes, here are a few gems:
“Methodological individualists claim that individuals seek to maximize their personal rewards. But if this were true, then soldiers would become conscientious objectors instead of risking death in war. Charity, favors, volunteer work, loans and other forms of altruism would never happen. Parents would not sacrifice for their children. True believers would not sacrifice their resources or their lives for a cause. Yet these things happen.”
" the steam engine was considered equal to or even superior than the gasoline engine from 1890 to 1914. But then a national epidemic of hoof-and-mouth disease led to the withdrawal of horse troughs, which is where steam cars refilled with water. The disappearance of a market for steam engines brought their thriving research and development to a halt, whereas gasoline engines profited from another 80 years of research and development. (5) Thus, an accident of history is responsible for the big oil companies of today, and the direction of an entire global economy (not to mention the attendant pollution problems). Is this economic activity primarily traceable to the beliefs, plans or expectations of subjective individuals? Of course not."
“All the subjectivism, individualism and market process that exists in the private sector should exist in the public sector as well. Both companies and governments provide goods and services in exchange for money. Customers vote with their dollars; voters vote with their ballots. Both customers and voters are self-interested, seeking the best goods and services for the least money. Companies and politicians that do not perform well go bankrupt or are voted out of office. And if society should reduce government that has grown too centralized and inefficient, then it should do no less for monopolies, which share the same shortcomings.”