Home › Authors › Leonard E. Read
Leonard E. Read Quotes
1898–1983 United States
Leonard Edward Read (September 26, 1898 – May 14, 1983) was the founder of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), which was one of the first modern libertarian institutions of its kind in the United States. He wrote 29 books and numerous essays, including the well-known "I, Pencil" (1958).
United States Economists Essayists Philosophers Also known as: Leonard Read
Random Leonard E. Read quote
26 quotes
Government can no more use coercion against the life or property of a person and, at the same time, perform its proper function of defending the life or property of that person than I can practice Christian charity on another while robbing him.
Leonard E. Read Journal (1949)
Freedom is the key to Godliness
Leonard E. Read Journal (1949)
If we are free to be our varietal selves; if there be no obstructions to the exchange of ideas and goods; if we have the liberty to move; society and
Leonard E. Read Journal (1949)
Whenever government assumes responsibility for the security, welfare, and prosperity of citizens, the costs of government rise beyond the point where it is politically expedient to cover them by direct tax levies.
I Prefer Security to Freedom (1962)
Why do tourists gape so eagerly at this sort of thing [Château de Fontainebleau]? Most people, I believe, aspire to what these agents and sycophants of the state achieved: ease without work, services for themselves by edict, power and position by wishing plus, of course, a little intrigue.
Leonard E. Read Journal (1949)
Were it necessary to bring a majority into a comprehension of the libertarian philosophy, the cause of liberty would be utterly hopeless. Every significant movement in history has been led by one or just a few individuals with a small minority of energetic supporters.
Topics Leonard E. Read is quoted on
Works