Ludwig von Mises: War Prosperity

Posted by admin on Thursday, April 22, 2021

Ludwig von Mises Money Quote saying that money made by some is taken from others to prosper some. Ludwig von Mises said:
 

 

“The essence of so-called war prosperity; it enriches some by what it takes from others. It is not rising wealth but a shifting of wealth and income” — Ludwig von Mises

 

 

In this quote, Ludwig von Mises is challenging the idea that war can generate true or widespread economic prosperity. His interpretation is that while war may enrich some individuals or sectors of the economy through increased military spending, this wealth is not new but merely shifted from other parts of the economy and citizenry that are paying higher taxes, buying fewer goods, or otherwise having their resources utilized for the war effort.

According to Mises’ view, the overall wealth of a nation does not increase due to war, but rather just shifts between different groups as resources are reallocated towards the war industry. So he argues that war prosperity is not actually rising wealth for a country as a whole, but the redistribution and shifting of existing wealth and income towards certain beneficiaries of the war economy.