Hans-Hermann Hoppe: An Open Letter to Walter E. Block
Before you read the letter below, please let me give you some background. Richard Duke
[I am typing without much editing; so I hope I do not make many mistakes. - JRD]
First, the letter is not about religion or the Bible, although Hoppe mentions the Bible. It is about Austro-Libertarianism and not following the teachings about this secular theory of beliefs. Second, property rights stands at the forefront of Austro-Libertarianism. (I recently quoted verses from Joshua 21 and Joshua 23. I sent those verses about the promises, and the land, to Lew Rockwell.)
(Am I an expert on Austro-Libertarianism? No. Certainly I am not. I do know enough to understand the mainstream hates it. I primarily study Austrian economics, which Gary North stated was the closest discipline to the Bible. I agree.)
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[Those who understand the spiritual realm (as much as we can) know that spiritual warfare is in the heavenlies, and certainly involved with wars on earth. - JRD]
Ephesians 6:10-12:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:4:
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
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Murray Rothbard is the most intelligent and smartest man I have met in my life. The amount of books, articles, etc. that he wrote, in addition to speaking and teaching, is incomprehensible. (How did he write all of this!) He wrote on a typewriter; and not even an electric typewriter. He passed away in January, 1995. I knew him well and spent time with him. He was jovial, told clean jokes, and cackled instead of laughing.
He founded “Austro-Libertarianism.” In other words, Austrian (economics) Libertarianism.
So, here is how Hope studied under Rothbard. Hoppe and his wife (also a PhD in economics like Hans Hoppe) resided in West Germany. Hopped called Rothbard and asked to study under him. Rothbard talked to his wife, Joey, and said if he has the guts to call me from Germany and make this request, I am going to say yes to him.
They taught in the same college and university. The last one was University of Nevada, Los Vegas (UNLV).
Dr. Walter Block, a professor in Louisiana, met Rothbard many years ago and Walter said he became a libertarian (actually an anarcho-capitalist) after listening to Rothbard for 30 minutes. He also spent much time talking with Rothbard. (In high school Walter ran track with Bernie Sanders.) Walter is around 90 years of age and in tremendous shape physically and mentally.
Here is Walter’s profile:
Mises Institute profile of Walter Block
Both are huge names at the Mises Institute.
I have repeatedly stated, because it is true, that Hoppe is the most hated Austrian economist in the world by mainstream economists. It is said they hate his guts. Also, he is the toughest Austrian economist and will not back down. He is like steel that is not going to be moved. Yet, he ignores most attacks. He also does not get mad or raise his voice in arguments. But he is tougher—as immovable object of steel—and more intelligent in many areas than his opponents who venture to argue with him. Hoppe is the mentor of Guido Hulsmann, also German but who teaches in France. Guido states that Hoppe can be fierce, adding numerous related words. (David Gordon, the most intelligent and smartest man I know who is alive was considered a son by Rothbard [he had no children]. Hoppe would love to argue with David because they are friends; and David loves to argue more than anything. Whether they have argued, I do not know. I have witnessed arguments between David and other Austrians, which were all friendly. They were having fun). The students at the Mises Institute Rothbard Seminar (one week each year) listening to those arguments learned much. I did also as an Observer.
Another story about Hoppe, where he was honored by some of his long-time economist friends at the Mises Institute (on video—let me know if you want to watch/listen to this) comes from Joe Salerno. Joe is head of programs at the Mises Institute and considered the heir of Rothbard. Hoppe wrote an article that got some Austrians fiercely disagreeing with each other. Salerno said he finally realized that Hoppe had not written one word about these arguments. Salerno finally asked: where is Hoppe? Hoppe never responded to the arguments. This ignoring is also typical of Hoppe. I suspect that Hoppe does not want to waste his time arguing with people who will not listen at all. Hoppe will try to listen.
In this letter see how Hoppe can go at another person—a friend of 40 years. Hoppe is upset (apparently livid) because Hoppe (his words) does not want his reputation injured as a follower of Austro-Libertarianism by the article that Walter wrote in The Wall Street Journal. If one does not act out the truths of Austro-Libertarianism (claiming he is one) in the opinion of Hoppe, you can see in this letter the extreme responses of Hoppe. It is not “pretty.”
[I know much more about Hoppe than I do Walter. - JRD]
From the letter:
“The cornerstone of the libertarian doctrine is the idea and institution of private property. Property, whether in land or anything else, is lawfully (and justly) acquired either by means of original appropriation of previously unowned resources (homesteading) or else by means of voluntary property transfer from a prior to some later owner. All property is always and invariably the property of some specific, identifiable individual(s), and all property transfers and exchanges take place between specified individuals and concern specified, identifiable objects. In reverse: all claims to property by a person who had neither homesteaded or previously produced such property, nor acquired it through voluntary transfer from some previous owner are unlawful (unjust).”
Richard Duke
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An Open Letter to Walter E. Block
January 31, 2024
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