The importance of our being free to do a particular thing has nothing to do with the question of whether we or the majority are ever likely to make use of that particular possibility. To grant no more freedom than all can exercise would be to misconceive its function completely. The freedom that will be used by only one man in a million may be more important to society and more beneficial to the majority than any freedom that we all use.
Friedrich August von HayekWe have indeed at the moment little cause for pride: as a profession we have made a mess of things.
Friedrich August von HayekThe curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.
Friedrich August von HayekThat there is little hope of international order or lasting peace so long as every country is free to employ whatever measures it thinks desirable in its own immediate interest, however damaging they may be to others, needs little emphasis now.
Friedrich August von HayekFrom the saintly and single-minded idealist to the fanatic is often but a step.
Friedrich August von HayekEverything which might cause doubt about the wisdom of the government or create discontent will be kept from the people. The basis of unfavorable comparisons with elsewhere, the knowledge of possible alternatives to the course actually taken, information which might suggest failure on the part of the government to live up to its promises or to take advantage of opportunities to improve conditions--all will be suppressed. There is consequently no field where the systematic control of information will not be practiced and uniformity of views not enforced.
Friedrich August von Hayek