Mises Institute

In this episode, Mark Thornton explores the looming threat of hyperinflation in the US. With the national debt soaring past $33 trillion and future obligations exceeding $100 trillion, can America avoid a financial crisis where prices skyrocket out of control? Mark examines historical hyperinflations in leading economies like France and Germany, and how excessive government spending and debt played a role. Drawing on the insights of Ludwig von Mises, Mark dissects the three phases of inflation and what happens when the public loses faith in holding money. Is hyperinflation merely an accounting problem, or does it portend economic ruin and societal breakdown? Tune in to find out, and to explore the potential consequences for our future. Additional Resources “Hyperinflation, Money Demand, and the Crack-Up Boom” by Thorsten Polleit: https://mises.org/MI_116_A “Hyperinflation and the Destruction of Human Personality” by Joseph T. Salerno: https://mises.org/MI_116_B Further Readings on Hyperinflation (Oxford University Mises Society): https://mises.org/MI_116_C Economic Policy: Thoughts for Today and Tomorrow by Ludwig von Mises: https://mises.org/MI_116_D The Theory of Money and Credit by Ludwig von Mises: https://mises.org/MI_116_E Join us May 15-17, 2025, at the Mises Institute for our Revisionist History of War Conference. This is our first history conference in almost 30 years. For more details and to register, visit https://Mises.org/rhw. Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

Donald Trump says he plans for a big 12% jump in military spending, he has threatened war with Iran, and has escalated the war with the Houthis. None of this has anything to do with defending the United States. Register for Our Enemy The Bureaucracy now at https://Mises.org/Phoenix25. Register for our Revisionist History of War Conference now at https://mises.org/rhw Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug  PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off Register for Our Enemy The Bureaucracy now at https://Mises.org/Phoenix25. Register for our Revisionist History of War Conference now at https://mises.org/rhw Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

President Trump has threatened to use the armed forces to go after the drug cartels in Mexico. Escalating the disastrous War on Drugs by incorporating the failed strategies of the War on Terror is a terrible idea. Read the article here: https://mises.org/mises-wire/bringing-war-terror-our-southern-border-can-only-end-disaster The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard’s, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at https://mises.org/gabfreebook Be sure to follow the Guns and Butter podcast at https://Mises.org/GB

You’ve heard endless debate about the trade deficit, but what about its evil twin, the budget deficit? In this episode, Mark Thornton untangles the truth behind the so-called “twin deficits,” revealing why trade imbalances aren’t necessarily bad, and how government borrowing distorts investment, fuels inflation, and weakens long-term prosperity. Mark cuts through the economic fog and shows what’s really dragging us down. Additional Resources “Trade Deficits and Fiat Currencies” by Robert Murphy: https://mises.org/MI_115_A “The Evil Twins: U.S. Federal Budget Deficits and U.S. Trade” by Jane L. Johnson: https://mises.org/MI_115_B “The Twin Deficits” by Gary North: https://mises.org/MI_115_C "A Dollar as Good as Gold" by Lewis E. Lehrman: https://mises.org/MI_115_D Join the Mises Institute on April 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, as we expose the danger and waste of bureaucracy: https://Mises.org/Phoenix25 Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

The discussion delves into the fascinating nature of donations, distinguishing between selfless gifts and those driven by self-interest. It highlights the relational aspects of giving, particularly in shaping child development. The complexities of altruism are examined, revealing how personal motivations often intertwine with acts of generosity. Additionally, the philosophy of abundance contrasts the behaviors of frugal versus wealthy individuals in their charitable approaches, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of both true and misleading donations in various contexts.

The Introduction to Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 1–28 in the print edition.

In this discussion, Jorga Guido Hülsmann, a Professor of Economics at the University of Angers and a senior fellow at the Mises Institute, introduces captivating insights from his book on economic principles. He emphasizes the vital role of gratuitous goods, like love and friendship, in understanding economic systems. Hülsmann highlights how these intangible assets influence capital accumulation and leisure. He shares his intellectual journey and argues for a more inclusive approach to economic analysis that acknowledges the value of these often-overlooked contributions.

Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State Chapter 12 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 364–392 in the print edition.

Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State Chapter 10 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 291–332 in the print edition.

Explore the pivotal role of side-effect goods in driving economic growth and the spontaneous creation of services in market exchanges. Delve into Aristotelian justice, emphasizing fairness in resource distribution and the importance of quantitative equality. Gain insights into market exchanges through the lens of value equality, addressing the significance of property rights. Examine labor as a measure of value, critiquing exploitation within capitalist systems. Finally, uncover how positive externalities contribute to market functionality, challenging traditional economic perspectives.