Capitalism and Commerce: Conceptual Foundations of Free Enterprise
Capitalism rests on a moral foundation, like the rest of civilization. Edward W. Younkins has done an extraordinary job of explicating that foundation, in an impressive and much-needed work. (Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr., The Ludwig von Mises Institute)The book magisterially fulfills its promise. It is well-written and concise, and it presents all the fundamental arguments that anybody who supports the capitalist system should know about. (Martin Masse, The Ludwig von Mises Institute)Edward Youkins has made a real contribution to our understanding of the moral underpinnings of the economic sstem that accompanies our way of life. And he has done so just when we needed it most. (Yuval Levin, staff member, President's Council on Bioethics)Capitalism and Commerceis far more than its altogether too modest subtitleConceptual Foundations of Free Enterpriseindicates. Yes, the book covers this topic with thoroughness, eloquence, and wisdom, but it also touches upon just about every question or criticism that anyone has ever made about the morality or practicality of free enterprise. . . . This book is atour de forcepresentation of the case for economic freedom. (Walter Block, Loyola University, New Orleans)[Capitalism and Commerce] is a powerful, scholarly antidote to all the shallow, politically-correct business bashing that is so prevalent in academe and the media. (Thomas J. DiLorenzo, Loyola College of Maryland)Youkins'Capitalism and Commercewill shake up anyone who has become too comfortable with the status quo of bigger government. And, most of all, it motivates readers to exact an honest measure of their freedom and question how much, or how little, freedom they really have left. (The State Journal)Capitalism and Commercepoints out that what it takes to be successful in a capitalist society is being able to please others, and as a system, capitalism encourages moral behavior. It should be read by every journalist in America. (Gary Wolfram, Hillsdale College)Younkins' book is a quite atour de forcethrough classical liberal views on production and exchange activities of people, as well as on some sweeping philosophical history. His views will appeal to, and be embraced by, individuals with classical liberal sensibilities (Charles W. Baird, California State University, Hayward)A fine statement of the moral and economic arguments for capitalism (David Boaz, Cato Institute)InCapitalism and CommerceProfessor Younkins has drawn from a wide range of old and new literature in the classical liberal tradition to articulate—patiently and thoroughly—the intellectual foundation of the free society. For the student or interested business professional, his presentation is valuable exposition of invaluable ideas. (Jeffrey Tucker, The Ludwig von Mises Institute)Making use of the literature of liberty, Younkins provides a very clear, concise, and accessible introduction to the conceptual foundations of capitalism and a free society. (Chris Matthew Sciabarra, New York University)A welcome moral play, an antidote to a rising tirade of business-and-capitalism-bashing amid a rash of corporate scandals.... Hopefully "Capitalism and Commerce" will attract intellectuals on the left and right here and abroad to rectify or reinforce their own thinking. (The Washington Times)[This] work stands out in its field, and will no doubt become a contemporary classic in the not-too-distant future. It should be read by every student, business professional, politician, and journalist in America and should be part of every college curriculum. (Le Quebécois Libre)