The Constitution of Liberty: The Definitive Edition: The Definitive Edition Volume 17 (Collected Works of F. A. Hayek)

Great book, highly recommended.

Hayek attempts to explain the origins of a free society. In his other books, Hayek discusses the benefits of a free society. This book digs deep into the question of how; liberty itself evolved into the present state of being. Hayek breaks down the legal structure. He identifies how social customs end up being transformed into laws. These laws were not invented by lawyers or the ruling class, but evolved from various socially accepted practices. This is an important point regarding social management. The best management results from governments adopting into law, what are already generally accepted principles and customs. Conflicts inevitably result, when governments attempt to introduce new rules of conduct, which are alien to the broader society. Hayek then compares the French and English traditions. In England most institutions evolved over centuries, with very little government interference. In France after their revolution, a stronger more proactive government approach was adopted. The French model involved larger governments based on a very strong leader. Hayek then analyzes and contrasts to two systems. The reader will walk away with a much stronger understanding of our; political, historical, and economic foundations. Hayek gives many examples on the importance of liberty, and how liberty enables a society to prosper.

Hayek makes a very thorough and critical analysis of concepts such as democracy, the purpose of law, government, welfare etc. But at the same time he fails to question his own assumumtions on the nature of freedom and coercion (specially the one done by the state), he defines these 2 concepts in a very specific way and follows such definitions in an almost religious way. He is extremely sceptical all non-liberal ideas of government and deconstructs them so much that at times it seems like he's trying to gaslight the reader. It's a pitty because the criticisms he makes are interesting and if he applied the same rigor to examine the implication of liberal economics I think he could have had some great insights.

Hayek's genius is undeniable. He gives a good example of an intellectual who still remembers how little we know. Economists often like to take the birds point of view and in their profession Hayek is clearly one of the high flying ones. His eye even pierces veils that Keynes' or Friedman's did not. (-> monetary matters) His conception is one of negative liberty and economic freedom, which are stated as essential ingredients of human progress and societal stability. The book contains general topics like freedom, determinism, equality - as well as practical matters like the necessary coordination housing or currency (non-)regulation. This book contains more valid thought than quite a few other smart ones taken together.

Very heavy reading, but excellent text.