True welfare and value can only be achieved through exchange when it is fully voluntary. When the state intervenes to "improve" trade, it destroys value, all the government stats notwithstanding, writes Patrick Barron. This audio Mises Daily is narrated by Dianna Keiler.

Voluntary Exchange vs. Government Mandates

Audio recordings of Mises Daily articles.

Thanks to our bankrupt economic policies, faith in our regime will soon be shaken whether we like it or not. Fortunately, we don't need a majority to make some changes for the better, writes Ron Paul. 

Why I Have Hope

Global markets are showing they can't handle even a tiny bit of tightening by the Federal Reserve, and other central banks are doubling down on rock-bottom interest rates, writes David Haggith. After six years of "recovery" can we ever abandon endless easy money?

2016's Economy Begins with a Whimper

Politics operates according to principles that would horrify us if we observed them in our private lives, and would get us arrested if we lived by them. The state can steal and call it taxation, kill and call it war, writes Lew Rockwell. 

The Truth About Politics

The public has been successfully conditioned to view the use of cash as something suspicious. Meanwhile, thanks to growing pressure from government, private business now often considers cash to be more trouble than it's worth, writes Paul-Martin Foss. 

The Continuing Demonization of Cash

The United States is notable for incarcerating a very large portion of its population compared to other countries. Surprisingly, this may increase homicide rates and lead to enclaves of ex-cons which would help explain why so many homicide victims have criminal records, writes Justin Murray.

Voluntary Exchange vs. Government Mandates

Download our free app to listen on your phone