The Ludwig von Mises Institute (LvMI) is an American libertarian organization named for Austrian School economist Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973.) It is engaged in research and publishing in the fields of economics, political economy and social theory. According to its website, "It is the mission of the Mises Institute to place human choice at the center of economic theory, to encourage a revival of critical historical research, and to advance the Misesian tradition of thought through the defense of the market economy, private property, sound money, and peaceful international relations, while opposing government intervention as economically and socially destructive." The Mises Institute is based in Auburn, Alabama.
The Institute was founded in 1982 by Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr., who had become acquainted with Mises' work while working as an editorial assistant at Arlington House Publishers. According to its website, the Mises Institute "seeks a radical shift in the intellectual climate as the foundation for a renewal of the free and prosperous commonwealth." Although this mission is inspired by the work of Ludwig von Mises, other Austrian School economists such as Murray Rothbard and Friedrich Hayek, have also had a strong influence on the Institute's work. Among the activities and resources sponsored by the Institute are its annual conferences, a series of online study and research materials, various academic fellowships, and an active electronic and print publishing program.
The Institute does not consider itself a traditional think tank. While it has working relationships with individuals such as U.S. Representative Ron Paul and organizations like the Foundation for Economic Education, it does not seek to implement public policy. It has no formal affiliation with any political party (including the Libertarian Party), nor does it receive funding from any. The Institute is funded through private donations. The Institute also has a formal policy of not accepting contract work from corporations or other organizations.
There are also several other Institutes with the same name throughout the world, including those in Belgium, Poland, Argentina, Brazil, Romania, Ecuador, Czech Republic & Slovakia, and Portugal. However, the Institute has no formal ties with any of them.
The Institute's official motto is Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito, which comes from Virgil's Aeneid, Book VI; the motto means "do not give in to evil but proceed ever more boldly against it." Early in his life, Mises chose this sentence to be his guiding principle in life. It is prominently displayed throughout the Institute's campus, on their website, and on memorabilia.
Read more about Ludwig Von Mises Institute: Background, Mission and Activities, Academic Awards, Views Espoused By Founder and Organization Scholars, Faculty and Administration, Criticisms
Famous quotes containing the words von and/or institute:
“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”
—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832)
“Whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying it’s foundation on such principles & organising it’s powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)