A Short History of Man: Progress and Decline

Hans-Hermann Hoppe

5.0 (7)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
COMPLETE SERIES

Hans-Hermann Hoppe addresses the rise of family structures, the development of private property, social evolution prior to the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of the state — all without regard for cherished myths. Narrated by Millian Quinteros. This audio book is made available through the generosity of Mr. Tyler Folger.

EPISODE 2

Introduction: An Austro-Libertarian Reconstruction

In the introduction to his A Short History of Man: Progress and Decline, Hoppe outlines his goal of contributing to the old tradition of grand social theory and render the long course of human history from its very beginnings to the present age more intelligible. Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
EPISODE 2

Foreword to A Short History of Man

The Foreword to A Short History of Man: Progress and Decline by Hans-Hermann Hoppe. Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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1.1. The Setting: History

Hoppe begins human history only 50,000 years ago, when “anatomically modern man” had evolved into “behaviorally modern man.” This is an eminently reasonable starting point, too. From Chapter 1, "On the Origin of Private Property and the Family". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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1.2. The Problem: Theory

At some point in time the landmass available to help satisfy human needs could no longer be enlarged. In economic jargon, the supply of the production factor “land” became fixed, and every increase in the size of the human population had to be sustained by the same, unchanged quantity of land. From Chapter 1, "On the Origin of Private Property and the Family". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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1.3. The Solution: Theory and History

The technological invention that solved (at least temporarily) the problem of a steadily emerging and re-emerging “excess” of population and the attendant fall of average living standards was a revolutionary change in the entire mode of production. From Chapter 1, "On the Origin of Private Property and the Family". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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2.2. Economic History: The Problem

Throughout most of human history, the iron law of wages held sway. From Chapter 2, "From The Malthusian Trap To the Industrial Revolution: Reflections on Social Evolution". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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2.1. Economic Theory

For economic theory the question of how to increase wealth and get rich has a straightforward answer. From Chapter 2, "From The Malthusian Trap To the Industrial Revolution: Reflections on Social Evolution". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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2.3. History Explained

Why did it take so long until we gave up a hunter-gatherer existence in favor of an existence as agricultural settlers? And why did it take more than another 10,000 years until mankind’s seemingly final escape from the Malthusian trap? From Chapter 2, "From The Malthusian Trap To the Industrial Revolution: Reflections on Social Evolution". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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2.4. Implications and Outlook

Just as the Industrial Revolution and the attendant escape from the Malthusian trap was by no means a necessary development in human history, so its success and achievements are also not irreversible. From Chapter 2, "From The Malthusian Trap To the Industrial Revolution: Reflections on Social Evolution". Narrated by Millian Quinteros.
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3. From Aristocracy To Monarchy To Democracy

Hans-Hermann Hoppe turns the standard account of historical governmental progress on its head. While the state is an evil in all its forms, monarchy is, in many ways, far less pernicious than democracy. Narrated by Millian Quinteros.

10 Episodes

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

Unfortunately can’t be listened to anymore.

12/11/2022

Paul M. Hoffman

Unfortunately tis podcast doesn’t work anymore. No idea why, but when you click on play, nothing happens. Too bad…
Interesting application of praxeology to anthropology

11/04/2015

Shaolin Ninja

Well done! A very interesting read/listen.

Hans-Hermann Hoppe addresses the rise of family structures, the development of private property, social evolution prior to the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of the state — all without regard for cherished myths. Narrated by Millian Quinteros. This audio book is made available through the generosity of Mr. Tyler Folger.