Murray Rothbard 1926--1995

ChatGPT - Please tell me a joke about Murray Rothbard.

Why did Murray Rothbard want to move to space?

Because he heard there's no government to tax you for stargazing, and property rights are truly out of this world!

ChatGPT - Give me 5 famous quotes by Murray Rothbard.

"It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialized discipline and one that most people consider to be a 'dismal science.' But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance."

Rothbard emphasizes the importance of informed opinions in economic matters. He argues that while it's acceptable not to know about economics, forming strong and vocal opinions without understanding the subject is irresponsible.

"The State is, and always has been, the great single enemy of the human race, its liberty, happiness, and progress."

Rothbard expresses a fundamentally libertarian viewpoint, asserting that throughout history, the state has been a primary obstacle to human freedom, well-being, and advancement.

"Government intervention virtually always consists of giving special privileges to some at the expense of others."

Rothbard criticizes government intervention, asserting that it often involves favoring certain individuals or groups over others. This aligns with his libertarian stance against coercive actions that benefit a few at the cost of the broader population.

"The market promotes and rewards efficiency and penalizes inefficiency. The government does precisely the opposite."

Rothbard contrasts the market's inherent mechanism of efficiency and efficiency-based rewards with what he perceives as the counterproductive nature of government interventions. This reflects his belief in the efficacy of voluntary exchanges over centrally planned initiatives.

"It is in war that the State really comes into its own: swelling in power, in number, in pride, in absolute dominion over the economy and the society."

Rothbard underscores the expansion of the state during times of war, asserting that wars often serve as a catalyst for the growth of government power and control. This observation aligns with his broader critique of state authority and its potential for overreach.

ChatGPT - Give me a short biography on Murray Rothbard.

Murray Rothbard was an American economist, historian, and political theorist who played a crucial role in the development of modern libertarian thought. Born on March 2, 1926, in New York City, Rothbard's intellectual journey began early in life. He attended Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. in economics in 1956 under the guidance of Joseph Dorfman.
Rothbard's early intellectual influences included Ludwig von Mises, with whom he developed a close association and shared a commitment to the Austrian School of Economics. He also became a central figure in the American libertarian movement, advocating for individual liberty, free-market economics, and a minimal state.
In 1953, Rothbard published "Man, Economy, and State," a comprehensive treatise that expanded Austrian economic theory. The work solidified his reputation as a leading Austrian economist and laid the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to economic and political thought.
Throughout his career, Rothbard was a vocal critic of government intervention in the economy. He argued that the state's role should be limited to protecting individual rights, and he advocated for the complete separation of money and state. His views aligned with the broader libertarian philosophy, emphasizing self-ownership and voluntary exchange.
Rothbard was a prolific writer, penning numerous articles, essays, and books on topics ranging from economics to political theory and history. He served as the editor of the academic journal "The Review of Austrian Economics" and contributed to the founding of the Cato Institute.
In addition to his economic and political writings, Rothbard made significant contributions to historical scholarship, particularly in his book "America's Great Depression" (1963), which offered an Austrian perspective on the causes and consequences of the economic downturn.
Murray Rothbard passed away on January 7, 1995, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a key figure in the development of libertarian thought and Austrian economics. His influence continues to resonate in academic circles and among those advocating for limited government and individual liberty.

ChatGPT - Give me interesting facts about Murray Rothbard's personal life.

Academic Influence: Murray Rothbard was a key figure in the academic development of the Austrian School of Economics. Alongside Ludwig von Mises, he played a significant role in popularizing Austrian economic thought in the United States and beyond.
Association with Ayn Rand: In the 1950s, Rothbard was briefly associated with Ayn Rand's Objectivist movement. However, he parted ways with Rand due to philosophical differences, particularly regarding the nature of individual rights and the state.
Libertarian Activism: Rothbard was actively involved in libertarian activism. He co-founded the Cato Institute in 1977, a think tank dedicated to promoting classical liberal ideas. Despite this, he later distanced himself from Cato due to differences over strategic and ideological matters.
Interest in History: Apart from his contributions to economics, Rothbard had a keen interest in history. He wrote extensively on historical topics, challenging mainstream narratives and providing alternative perspectives, particularly in his book "America's Great Depression."
Legacy in Education: Rothbard's influence extended beyond his writings. He was a dedicated educator, teaching at several universities, including Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His impact on students and the academic community contributed to the enduring legacy of Austrian economics.

List of all major books by Murray Rothbard:

Economics:

"Man, Economy, and State" (1962)
"Power and Market: Government and the Economy" (1970) - Originally intended as the second volume of "Man, Economy, and State."
"America's Great Depression" (1963)
"Man, Economy, and Liberty: Essays in Honor of Murray N. Rothbard" (edited by Walter Block and Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr.) (1988)

Political Philosophy:

"For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto" (1973)
"The Ethics of Liberty" (1982)
"The Anatomy of the State" (1974)
"Egalitarianism as a Revolt Against Nature and Other Essays" (1974)
"The Case for the 100 Percent Gold Dollar" (1984)

History:

"America's Great Depression" (1963)
"Conceived in Liberty" (Vols. I–IV) (1975–1979) - A detailed history of the American colonies and early United States.
"The Panic of 1819: Reactions and Policies" (1962)
"America's Great Depression" (1963)

Education and Philosophy:

"Education: Free and Compulsory" (1972)
"The Progressive Era" (edited by Patrick Newman) (2017) - Posthumous publication of Rothbard's unfinished manuscript.

Collections:

"The Logic of Action" (Vols. I–II) (1997) - A collection of Rothbard's articles, essays, and book reviews.
"Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market" (2009) - A combined edition of his major economic works.