Has anyone one read Terry Pratchet’s “Making Money”?
I’ve not read it but it apparently explores the concepts of fiat currency (vs. gold standard) and the problems of trying to impose a currency upon the citizenry.
Interestingly, the protagonist is called Moist Von Lipwig…Is Pratchett becomming an Austrian?
Apparently, Pratchett is also writing a third book with this von Lipwig charachter, called ‘Raising taxes’. I haven’t read his books, so I don’t know if he leans towards Austrian economics, or just dislikes von Mises and/or free markets (or if it’s all a very weird coincidence).
I’ve read it but I did so many years ago. Pratchett is a fantastic author and it’s typical of his books to give the appearance of primarily and simply being entertaining whilst at the same time, in a much less obvious manner, making a fairly astute comment on some commonly accepted (as common sense) position that is held by a good deal of the public, which - as only Pratchet can do - he quickly makes appear ridiculous.
I would be surprised to hear that Pratchett was a follower of Austrian economics, however. From memory, the book more or less points out some of the most elementary floors inherent in inflating one’s currency and has a dig at a few other people besides, but I don’t recall anything distinctly Austrian about the book. Having said that, I knew very little about Austrian economics at the time when I did read this book.
Definitely read the book though - if nothing else you’ll just have a good laugh. If you learn something about Austrian economics on the way then that will just be a bonus.
I haven’t read it or any of Pratchett’s novels yet, but his novel Night Watch won the Prometheus Award for Best Libertarian Novel in 2003.
I get the impression that he might be a mutualist.