The Fatal Conceit

The Errors of Socialism

By: F. A. Hayek

Narrated by: Everett Sherman

Hayek gives the main arguments for the free-market case and presents his manifesto on the "errors of socialism." Hayek argues that socialism has, from its origins, been mistaken on factual, and even on logical, grounds and that its repeated failures in the many different practical applications of socialist ideas that this century has witnessed were the direct outcome of these errors. He labels as the "fatal conceit" the idea that "man is able to shape the world around him according to his wishes."

©1988 F.A. Hayak (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

If more had these insights we'd be better off

If you could sum up The Fatal Conceit in three words, what would they be?

Those who seek big government socialism are fooling themselves and those who they wish to take with them to these ends, It doesn't work, can't work and still here we go in an attempt to get there!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

How straight forward the truth is and how solid the facts are that socialism fails and why our current President's agenda is so devoid of legitimacy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction was one of frustration over why our country's voters can't understand that our President's agenda to force us into socialism is so wrong and yet over half voted for more of the same...

market and morals as self organizing systems.

Great book shows how the trade money, property are evolved ideas and between reason and instinct. human reason is not powerful enough to plan economies. evolution has created abstract ideas to allow large groups to live and create prosperity. criticism democracy may be a evolution self organizing system that may counter act the dehumanizing aspects of market systems without the unforeseen consequences of direct planning.

Amazing book

Great introduction into the discourse over both morality and viability of government intervention and socialism

A case for morality and freedom

Hayek applies his analytical techniques of markets to the question of the origin of morals.

While an obvious atheist his views of the role of religion in our advancement as a people are quite refreshing and convincing

I really enjoyed it, must read!

As stated in the book superstition served mankind because it is better that men do right for the wrong reason than wrong with good intentions.

What concerns society is conduct not opinion.

If only our actions are just and good, it matters not a straw to others whether our opinions are mistaken.

This makes me think about the importance of the marketplace of ideas. If people have bad ideas and they aren't allowed to express them openly it will probably end in violence.

Have you heard of the black man who befriended 200 KKK members and convinced them to leave the klan?

just buy it

totally worth it. slow start, but strong finish. rounds off the discussion. still very relevant

A classic work of seroous philosophy

A powerful work of philosophy and anthropology. If what you are looking for is an antisocialist rant, don't: this is serious, hardcore philosophy

Great All Time Effort.

This should be read by every American - High School and College mandatory reading for anyone searching for excellence.

Try to keep up!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The Fatal Conceit is a significant work by a significant author - and is relevant in so many ways today still. It will definitely improve anyone's understanding of important economic concepts that has a fundamental impact on most of society today.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not applicable.

What does Everett Sherman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I struggled to get used to the narrator's way of speaking. The intonation of his voice appears to fade towards the end of sentences which is common for conversation but made it difficult for me to listen to in anything less than ideal (quiet) surroundings. I either got used to it after a while or it improved as the reading progresses.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. This book is something you should give yourself nothing more than about 30 mins of listening at a time. There are some seriously complex topics and one's attention span could easily slip if you listen for too long.

Any additional comments?

Even as a capitalist, Hayek challenges many of my ideas of politics, society and even religion. He exposes many concepts that are neither intuitive nor immediately obvious. I also had to admit defeat to understanding many concepts which I held in high regard for many years related to society and the nature of man.

A must read for fans of Hayek's earlier work

I loved Hayek's ability to tie together and explain seminal observations by Hume, Smith, Ricardo and numerous others, including even Malthus, into a coherent rejection of many common fallacies. The parallels between Hayek's thoughts on the "extended order" and Darwin are very interesting.