Milton FriedmanMilton Friedman, (1912-2006) Nobel Prize-winning economist, economic advisor to President Ronald Reagan, "ultimate guru of the free-market system"

Milton Friedman Quote

“The most unresolved problem of the day is precisely the problem that concerned the founders of this nation: how to limit the scope and power of government. Tyranny, restrictions on human freedom, come primarily from governmental restrictions that we ourselves have set up.”

Milton FriedmanMilton Friedman
~ Milton Friedman

The Region, June 1992

Ratings and Comments


Terry Berg, Occidental, CA

This statement, in and of itself, means nothing in particular except insofar as it illuminates and illustrates the narrow, selective view and philosophical predilections of Milton Friedman not to mention his romantic view of economic history. I submit that MF's "most unresolved problem" characterization of this issue demonstrates what a blindered view of the world he has.

Joe, Rochester, MI

Our federal government (not to mention California) continues restrict our freedoms. Example: The 2nd Amendment guarantees "... the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Yet carrying a handgun for protection reveals many infringements ... I must obtain a permit to purchase, have my fingers printed, can’t carry in numerous places (many of which I am more likely to be attacked), Yes, I want to feel safe, but FEELINGS don't stop criminals. The police won't be around to defend me from criminals, only to write a report AFTER I lay robbed and bleeding, perhaps dead. The courts have even found that police have no obligation to provide protection, which makes. So, I will rely on my handgun and protect myself.

KS, Somewhere,USA.

Hmm....interesting. Sometimes, reading the reader's response is more interesting than the quote that inspired the response. I love this site and this feature! I look forward to it every day!

Mike, Norwalk

yep, tyranny has once again raised its ugly head and devoured the founder's guaranteed liberty.

Logan, Memphis, TN

Beware lest we forget the foundational principles upon which our country was built, and apply the new philosophical dogmas that are so readily present in our educational systems and public thoughts.

J Carlton, Calgary

Eminent Domain, usurous taxation, gun control, immunity for the Feds, laws of control in general....Yep! That's Tyranny. And Joe, a gun in the hand is worth TWO cops on the phone isn't it? :)

E Archer, NYC

Yep.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Government restrictions are set up to limit the tyranny of the few or of one over the many. Thus when hunters from opposite sides of a state killed too many deer and met in the middle and found all of the deer gone "government" stepped in and restricted the freedom of some for the benefit of all and in the end for the benefit of the few and even the benefit of the "one". It is a shallow one who cannot see his benefit as tied to others.

Mike, Pleasant Hill

Talking about unconstitutionally growing government and Waffler wants to talk about deer hunting and not very well.
LOL!!

E Archer, NYC

Actually : "The most unresolved problem of the day is precisely the problem that concerned The New Deal fascists of this nation: how to limit the scope and power of the People and the States."

Ronw13, Yachats Or

I think Mike added a little color to tyranny. How many have worked for a tyrannical taskmaster ? With no consideration to the life of the individual or their family unit independent, but only the taskmasters bottom line. Whips and chains unless one complies ? The ugly head of deceitful leadership, cast their tender mercies, which are cruel by nature ! Our capitalist way, affording opportunity to the brave individual to reach for their dreams and hopes. inspired by the imagination of the individual. The poor and needy you have always. To guard their individual Liberties makes for good help in times of need. To follow the mob, lead by robbers, for the sake of the corralled masses with no where to go ? Good skill affords favor, great skill is sought out by those who appreciate quality of product. And is treated delicately ! Natural cause and effect, within human nature. By the churning of the masses through democratic socialism, causes the cream to rise to the top within understanding of the rugged Individualist that founded this nation. And is always a threat to mob rule, which creates contempt for the wealthy individualist, rich or poor monetarily. To call on government to fix the ills of life, comes from weak minded individuals who don't have sense enough to come in, out of the rain. To help a poor man, both benefit, if I work for a man as poor as I am, I accomplish nothing. Not many mighty men, not many noble are called, but I thank God for the few !! Waffler sounds like a person who cannot keep his own house clean, let alone be a good steward of the land ! Hope my statement is not to long. People do need to read more history, and often !

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

Self-realization of the population reveals that  the people are the government. The individual and the population must understand the importance of broadening and empowering the scope of that government and the interacting role the individual assumes in that government. Give a voice to the people and the future is ours.

Mike, Norwalk
  • Reply
Mike, Norwalk Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 11/23/22

Sillik, I understand how an individual may understand, how does an inorganic phantasm without senses understand? That is a false dichotomy. Within nature's law, what is a government (inorganic phantasm) other than a title given to individual employees who work for sentient sovereigns in preserving their personal inalienable rights and liberty? Limiting the scope of defined actions and power - permitted by individual sentient sovereigns within nature's law, is the only proven way to ensure a free voice.

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