Extractive Psychology from an Austrian School Perspective

The Mises Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Austrian economics, individual liberty, historical accuracy, and global peace, stands as a bastion of free market principles and a staunch defender of individual sovereignty. Founded on the intellectual legacy of Ludwig von Mises and Murray N. Rothbard, the Institute champions a radical departure from the prevailing statist paradigm, advocating instead for a social order firmly rooted in private property rights. Rejecting political expediency and fashionable intellectual trends, the Institute remains steadfastly committed to the enduring value of its core principles, resisting any compromise that might dilute their essence.

At the heart of the Mises Institute’s mission lies the promotion of the Austrian School of economics, a heterodox school of thought that emphasizes individual action, subjective value, and the spontaneous order created by free markets. This school of thought, with its emphasis on methodological individualism and the limitations of central planning, stands in stark contrast to mainstream Keynesian economics, which often advocates for government intervention in the economy. The Institute champions the Austrian perspective, arguing that it offers a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of economic phenomena, particularly the business cycle, and provides a stronger intellectual foundation for policies that foster economic growth and prosperity.

Beyond economics, the Institute champions individual liberty as an essential prerequisite for a just and prosperous society. This unwavering commitment to individual freedom extends to all aspects of human life, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom from unwarranted government intrusion. The Institute views individual liberty as the cornerstone of a truly free society, arguing that it is only when individuals are empowered to make their own choices, pursue their own interests, and control their own destinies that society can truly flourish.

The pursuit of honest history forms another crucial pillar of the Mises Institute’s mission. Recognizing the power of historical narratives to shape public opinion and policy decisions, the Institute strives to provide accurate and unbiased accounts of historical events, particularly those related to economic and political history. It challenges conventional wisdom and seeks to uncover the often-ignored or misrepresented role of government intervention in historical crises. By promoting a more complete and objective understanding of history, the Institute aims to equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about the future.

The promotion of international peace also holds a prominent place within the Institute’s broader mission. Recognizing the devastating consequences of war and conflict, the Institute advocates for peaceful resolution of international disputes and a reduction in military interventionism. It argues that free markets and open trade foster international cooperation and understanding, contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world. By promoting the principles of free markets and individual liberty globally, the Institute seeks to create a world where individuals and nations can interact peacefully and productively, fostering mutual benefit and prosperity.

In its pursuit of these core principles, the Mises Institute remains steadfastly independent and non-partisan. It rejects any affiliation with political parties or movements, choosing instead to focus on the dissemination of its core ideas through scholarly research, publications, educational programs, and public outreach. The Institute views its independence as essential for maintaining intellectual integrity and ensuring that its message remains clear and consistent. Through its unwavering commitment to Austrian economics, individual liberty, honest history, and international peace, the Mises Institute continues to exert a significant influence on the intellectual landscape, offering a powerful alternative to the prevailing statist paradigm and inspiring a new generation of thinkers dedicated to the principles of a free and prosperous society. By providing a platform for rigorous scholarship, public discourse, and educational initiatives, the Institute empowers individuals to understand and embrace the principles of a truly free society, fostering a future where individual liberty and economic prosperity can flourish.