Rudolf Hilferding Quotes

The object of the law of value is to elucidate the actual exchange relations of commodities.

It is obvious, moreover, that the formation of price in capitalist society must differ from the formation of price in social conditions based upon the simple production of commodities.

Capitalism is a system for determining objective value.

In stating the principles which regulate exchangeable value and price, we should carefully distinguish between those variations which belong to the commodity itself, and those which are occasioned by a variation in the medium in which value is estimated, or price expressed.

Overcoming the myth that there is such a thing as an objectively defined 'free market' is the first step towards understanding capitalism.

Are you free? Yes, you are free to bow to the dictates of the market.

… governments must serve capitalism by establishing and maintain a framework which enables capitalism to develop. It can induce it to grow, but cannot command it to do so.

That's the trick of free market economic theory: it doesn't just ask you to only be selfish and not care about others. It tells you that by being selfish, you are helping others. And, in fact, by trying to directly help others, you will hurt them.

Competition is good and has served us well.

I am a believer in Adam Smith, who says that if you look at something that really contributes value to society, and you can deliver it at a reasonable price, then society will recognise that at some point because rational behaviour will come into play.

The only place you see a free market is in the speeches of politicians.

The only way that has ever been discovered to have a lot of people cooperate together voluntarily is through the free market. And that's why it's so essential to preserving individual freedom.

Capitalism should not be condemned, since we haven't had capitalism.

I prefer leaving things to the market as much as possible.

Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.

President Obama insists he's a free-market guy. But you have to wonder whether he understands how a free economy really works.

There's a difference between a free market and free-for-all market.

Contrary to the claims of some of my critics and some of the editorial pages, I am an ardent believer in the free market.

I do believe in the free market.

Under capitalism each individual engages in economic planning.

The basis of the free market is anytime you can generate revenue or profit, you've created value in excess of the resources you consume in a society. That's probably the most unbiased utility function there is, as opposed to someone's opinion.

The exchangeable value of all commodities, rises as the difficulties of their production increase.

For in the theoretical field bourgeois economics no longer engages in blithe and joyous fights.

But in the free market system, you're forced to change.

East and West, most societies have come to believe that competition will produce more prosperity for more people than a planned economy. I share that belief.