Mises Institute

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.

Part Two: Gratuitous Goods in a Free Economy Chapter 8 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 247–260 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.

Part One: The Nature of Gratuitous Goods Chapter 4 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 117–136 in the print edition.

The discussion highlights how human actions can lead to unexpected benefits, not just for individuals, but for society at large. It emphasizes the joy and creativity that arise from pursuing virtue and leisure rather than direct happiness. Cultural appropriation is examined as a catalyst for growth, showcasing how nations enrich each other's identities. Additionally, the podcast explores how human errors and market dynamics contribute to both profits and losses, ultimately driving innovation and efficiency in economic practices.

The Conclusion to Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 393–398 in the print edition.

Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State Chapter 9 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook. From pp. 261–290 in the print edition.