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The Road to Serfdom Audiobook
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Publisher Description
This classic by one of the twentieth century’s leading libertarian thinkers has established itself beside the works of Orwell and others as a timeless meditation on the relationship between human freedom and government authority.
Originally published in 1944, The Road to Serfdom has profoundly influenced many of the world’s great leaders: from Orwell and Churchill in the mid-forties, to Reagan and Thatcher in the eighties. The book offers persuasive warnings against the dangers of central planning, along with what Orwell described as “an eloquent defense of laissez-faire capitalism.” Hayek shows that the idea that “under a dictatorial government you can be free inside,” is nothing less than a grievous fallacy. Such dictatorial governments prevent individual freedoms, and they often use psychological measures to perform “an alteration of the character of the people.” Gradually, the people yield their individuality to the point where they become part of the collectivist mass.
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"Not a light read, Road to Serfdom was written in the 1940's by von Hayek, an economist. Having lived in Austria during World War II, von Hayek saw similarities in legislation of both the United States and the United Kingdom with the socialist countries. This book stands the test of time and has a political/economic/philosophical theme. I could never do justice to a true book review. I can only recommend that everyone reads it. The book is only a little over 200 pages, but is so important to today. Basically the book warns against centralized governments and promotes individual freedom. I often wonder how the German people during World War II allowed their government to become such a overpowering and brutal regime. Their leader promoted a we vs. they campaign..."they" have better jobs..."they" are starting businsess..."they" are taking away jobs from us...does it sound familiar..."they are not paying their fair share", "they did not build that...someone else made that happen". Very frightening. Once divided, "we" look to the government to make it fair. With the rate of growth in last few years of the public sector and not the private sector, one should question if the government is controlling economic power."
— Kathy (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“This book has become a true classic: essential reading for everyone who is seriously interested in politics in the broadest and least partisan sense.”
— Milton Friedman -
“This book was like a Mike Tyson (in his prime) right hook to socialism in Western Europe and in the United States. But its influence didn’t stop there. It has inspired political and economic leaders for decades since—most famously Ronald Reagan. Reagan often praised Hayek when he talked about people waking up to the dangers of big government.”
— Glenn Beck, Fox News -
“Shatters the myth that the totalitarianisms ‘of the Left’ and ‘of the Right’ stem from different impulses.”
— Mark Helprin, National Review, 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the Century -
“This book should be read by everybody. It is no use saying that there are a great many people who are not interested in politics; the political issue discussed by Dr. Hayek concerns every single member of the community.”
— The Listener
The Road to Serfdom Listener Reviews
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" Good, but a heavy read. "
— Jared, 1/26/2014 -
" Very good book. Easy to read, moves quick and will scare you with how similar some passages are to today's world, even though he is writing about Hitler. This is a good economic overview of the time. I recommend it to all. "
— Ken, 1/10/2014 -
" A very interesting book that shows how easily we can lose our freedoms. "
— Carol, 12/1/2013 -
" A certain degree of survivorship bias makes sure this would get good reviews because you wouldn't have had the energy to dig it up and read it (Hayek's English is not that easy to understand) unless you were really into Austrian economics. "
— Stevieoopsie, 11/20/2013 -
" This ought to be standard reading in highscool history. The vantage point of the author of having escaped Nazi rule only to watch the mindset of socialist utopians take hold in the west is fascinating. It is a clear example of how those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it and is, unfortunately, prophetic of our current political environment. "
— Rose, 11/9/2013 -
" Almost done reading this for the first time, I'll have to give it a rest when I'm done and then read it again. It is still very relevant and interesting, but takes a little digestion. "
— Mike, 10/27/2013 -
" Exceptional, not a fluffy quick read, takes thought and requires an engaged reader but the substance delivers a verdict that is beyond contradiction. As relevant as ever and ignored at the peril of a society of free men. "
— Marc, 10/16/2013 -
" The best book on economics and public policy I've ever read. If you read one book on these subjects, read Hayek's masterpiece. "
— Jordan, 1/16/2013 -
" Should be required reading to understand economics. "
— Steve, 12/10/2012 -
" This is tough going in some parts - so so inspired and so relevant to today that it's worth sticking with. It's also a classic in the field of libertarian thought and economics so if you call yourself a lover of freedom, especially economic freedom, this is must reading. "
— Freedom, 9/22/2012 -
" Not what I thought it was, nothing new; probably good to know that that's what the book has in it; only read it because a columnist said it was a standard. "
— Kari, 3/27/2012 -
" Relevant and brilliant, we should think about this. "
— Andre, 1/27/2012 -
" A hard read that will piss you off. Very important. The truth of this book is so great. "
— Michael, 5/8/2011 -
" Great book of political philosophy. Would recommend for all. And here is the spoiler: Hayek is not nearly as conservative (e.g. The Randians) as most people presume based upon who tends to quote him. He is a true Liberal "
— Sam, 4/29/2011 -
" A classic ... Very timely as well "
— Casey, 4/17/2011 -
" Great, powerful book and a great book on Libertarianism, but fortunately it didn't come true. "
— James, 4/1/2011 -
" Can't really comment. It's supposedly a classic of sorts, but was written years ago, and I couldn't stay awake nor focused, and finally gave up. "
— Ray, 3/3/2011 -
" Overall, it's a good book. It's an interesting study of Socialism that is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. It's heavy on political philosophy, so, if you're not into that, you'll likely not like the book. However, it is an interesting read for us Poli-Sci junkies.<br/><br/><br/> "
— Reese, 3/3/2011 -
" Good description and explanation of the consequences of a central authority. An examination of most common forms of government, and why they exist (purpose). "
— Andrew, 2/11/2011 -
" This book makes you think about the nature of your political parties, what freedom actually means, and how to avoid a creeping tyranny in the name of your brother man. "
— Ben, 2/2/2011
About Friedrich A. Hayek
Friedrich A. Hayek (1899–1992), recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991 and co-winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 1974, was a pioneer in monetary theory and a leading proponent of classical liberalism in the twentieth century.
About William Hughes
William Hughes is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. A professor of political science at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, he received his doctorate in American politics from the University of California at Davis. He has done voice-over work for radio and film and is also an accomplished jazz guitarist.