
Mises Institute
The Mises Institute, founded in 1982, is an educational institution devoted to advancing Austrian economics, freedom, and peace in the classical-liberal tradition. Our website offers many thousands of free books and thousands of hours of audio and video, along with the full run of rare journals, biographies, and bibliographies of great economists.
Latest episodes

Apr 11, 2025 • 12min
Conclusion
The Conclusion to Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 393–398 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 55min
Chapter 9. Interventionism
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.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 24min
Chapter 5. The Economics of Donations
Delve into the fascinating dynamics of donations versus standard economic transactions. Discover how subjective value influences personal giving and the broader implications of altruism in markets. Explore the competitive space between charitable donations and economic growth, revealing a shift toward relational gifts. Unpack the virtues essential for cooperation and trust in production processes. Finally, investigate how large philanthropic organizations navigate for-profit management strategies and the intricacies of economic evaluation in diverse sectors.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Chapter 1. Gratuitous Goods
Discover the fascinating world of gratuitous goods, defined as items obtained without monetary exchange. The discussion dives into the importance of social relationships and justice within these transactions. Explore self-ownership and private property rights, along with the intricate dynamics of gift-giving across cultures. Delve into the universal craving for free goods, linking it to economic principles and societal structures. Finally, examine the dual nature of gratuitousness, contrasting human desires for unearned benefits with the moral implications of disregarding obligations.

Apr 11, 2025 • 8min
Preface
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.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
Chapter 11. Haunted Donations
Part Three: Gratuitous Goods and the State
Chapter 11 of Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 333–364 in the print edition.

Apr 11, 2025 • 44min
Chapter 3. Motivations of Donations
This discussion uncovers the emotional reasons behind charitable giving, highlighting the role of love and family in motivating generosity. It contrasts the idealistic versus utilitarian views of friendship, showcasing how genuine relationships influence altruistic behaviors. The podcast also delves into the complexities of gift-giving and how cultural perceptions shape acts of kindness. Additionally, it examines the impact of inheritance on economic inequality, raising questions about fairness and moral implications in wealth distribution.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 31min
Chapter 10. The State as a Provider of Gratuitous Goods
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.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Chapter 12. Interventionism and Side-Effect Goods
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.

Apr 11, 2025 • 57min
Introduction
The Introduction to Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles audiobook.
From pp. 1–28 in the print edition.