Our reading will be the first 4 chapters of The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek.
I have not been able to find a complete free pdf version of this book but this is one that should be on everyone's shelf anyways. Amazon has a great deal for it HERE. If you are unable to acquire the book, Ryan Kristjanson has found an abridged version of the book which can be downloaded HERE.
In addition, feel free to invite any of your friends to Junto as we are always looking for more to come.
Go ahead and post discussion questions as comments to this blog.
I have not been able to find a complete free pdf version of this book but this is one that should be on everyone's shelf anyways. Amazon has a great deal for it HERE. If you are unable to acquire the book, Ryan Kristjanson has found an abridged version of the book which can be downloaded HERE.
In addition, feel free to invite any of your friends to Junto as we are always looking for more to come.
Go ahead and post discussion questions as comments to this blog.
Read an abridged version of The Road to Serfdom I found on line, I've never read much Hayek--good stuff-- but I have read and listened to Ron Paul alot, that's probably why I like it so much.
ReplyDeleteThe part that hits home to me righ now is the whole notion of planning clear down to the local level-- not just economic, even though you could connect all planning to an economic conclusion. Do gooders unwittingly --he says-- destroy what they intend to improve, and they are what they would never admit--socialists!
This has got to be the most frustrating aspect about most who hold political office. They just dont understand that freedom is dangerous, and in order to have it you can't have a multiplicity of laws.
The economics that Hayek explains is just another manifestation that we don't know what we don't know about the principles of freedom and our market system.
Its like Lincoln said "the philosophy of the school room in on generation will be the philosophy of government in the next". Well the chickens have come home to roost, we are reaping what we have sewn. Sadly we have woke up to see that--metaphorically speaking-- we have planted a second crop of Monsanto's genetic engineered seed without thinking we would have to pay the royalties first or for that matter to ever pay them.
It is amazing that we have not seen a total collapse of the markets yet. It reminds me of the scripture hat says "they were marrying and giving in marriage...until the flood came and took them all away. Most people don't even want to know.
An observation and then a question for the young guys. Those of you I have been around seem very sober awake and informed. When I was your age I had my head in the sand--I didn't know what I didn't know. I didn't even know what freedom was, now I know I live in a system that teaches us that we are free but strips every inherent right away through regulation, planning, and violating property rights. In all my efforts I see so little harvest, I look only at the proximate future now and feel like I'm so disconnected from the main stream. I'm not discouraged because I know I have a distinct mission to fulfill, but without that understanding and with the information that Austrian economics, and general state of things I would think seriously of playing Russon roulette --something I would love the socialist discover.
So my question.
What do you use as the impetus or motivation to get an education when there are few jobs for the plethora of the educated and that we are probably moving into the greatest depression era known to man? Apart from the inflationary benefits of paying off your school loans with what you may be able to buy a loaf of bread with soon, what is your vision for the future? What do you believe your generations role is in the proximate future, or your own role?
I just wonder because you are looking at graduating from school starting a career and family in a segment of a cycle that could easily be depressed for the next 20-25 years. I have my answers and motivations but I would love to hear yours.
I would say that my impetus to get an education comes from two places. The first, our church leaders have encouraged us to get as much education as possible (which is why I think they have invested so many tithing dollars into CES). Also I think that just because the current economic outlook from those of an Austrian prospective is grim doesn't mean that there won't be a use for many disciplines gained/improved through a college education. While the a destruction of the dollar might wipe out the savings of the middle class, it doesn't wipe out the factors of production that exist in the United States. There will still be a need for engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurship all of which can be made better at their roles through furthering education. In the worst case scenario I suppose I could take my college education to India and hopefully get a good job there! :) That behind said I hope that the things we learn in Junto will help us in our generation to be the voices of reason in debate. Hopefully we will be able to articulate the argument for liberty in a way that is persuasive to our friends and others who do not agree.
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you said about Economic planning Dan. And would pose the following discussion topic questions for the 20th: What is socialism? What is a free market? What is economic planning? In a free market, does planning exist? Why is collectivism bad and individualism good? What is the fallacy associated behind "social welfare" and "social justice"?
Anyone else got some good questions? :)
I've got a question, does any one know how long till the millennium will start? I understand that we will be living God law then- the laws the founders dreamt of implementing but couldn't in our puralistic society. Any one read The majesty of Gods Law by Skousen? I'm reading it now- great book.
ReplyDeleteJust an announcement
I'm starting a new class on the constitution through a study of the 5000 Year Leap by Skousen. We will be meeting this Thursday the 13 th at 7:00pm at the Madison library. Love to hav any of you who would want to come out. No cost associated.
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matt 24:36.
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that Elder Eyring spoke of hard economic times and how BYU-I would be in a unique position to continue on its "Steady Upward Course" during the hard times. We learned during the dedication of the BYU Idaho Center that Pres. Thomas S. Monson personally directed it to be built and requested its size be expanded to its 15,000 person capacity. I am thankful for prophets who see the way. I trust they see far beyond my limited vision and understand.
I agree with much of Dan's sentiment. When one considers a true education a formal university education is only a drop in the bucket. What I learned in school is dwarfed by what I have learned through life's adventures, starting businesses, the hard knocks, building my house, and personal study. In fact, much of what I learned while going to school was learned because I refused to take fed grants and started businesses instead.
I enjoyed your thoughts guys. Any additional thoughts or study questions that can help us prepare for Junto?
Ryan, could you share with us why you have chosen to teach instead of spreading your entrepreneurial wings. It sounds like you may have a few irons in the fire besides teaching. Ive heard a little of your story before, but would be interested in your motivating factors--if and when you have time. Thx, Dan
ReplyDelete