Throughout his life Hayek wanted to affirm his identity with the classic liberal tradition, believing that the true cause of the crises leading to two world wars was the steady increase in the power of the state, and its misuse in the pursuit of unattainable goals. 'Social justice' was the name of one of these goals, and Hayek expressly dismissed the expression as a piece of deceptive Newspeak, used to advance large-scale injustice in the name of its opposite.

Throughout his life Hayek wanted to affirm his identity with the classic liberal tradition, believing that the true cause of the crises leading to two world wars was the steady increase in the power of the state, and its misuse in the pursuit of unattainable goals. 'Social justice' was the name of one of these goals, and Hayek expressly dismissed the expression as a piece of deceptive Newspeak, used to advance large-scale injustice in the name of its opposite.

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[This quote highlights Friedrich Hayek's unwavering commitment to classical liberal principles, emphasizing the dangers he associates with escalating state power. The assertion that the rise of state influence and the pursuit of 'social justice' are linked to societal crises invites reflection on the balance between government intervention and individual liberty. To Hayek, expanding state authority often comes with unintended consequences, including the erosion of personal freedoms and economic liberties that underpin a free society. The phrase 'deceptive Newspeak' draws from Orwellian concepts, suggesting that the term 'social justice' has been manipulated to conceal injustices — an idea that prompts us to consider how language can be weaponized to mask policies that may inadvertently undermine the very ideals they claim to promote. Such perspectives encourage vigilance against regulatory overreach and remind us that frequent appeals to social justice can be used as tools to justify broader societal controls, often at the expense of individual autonomy. The quote also underscores that true justice cannot be achieved through large-scale, top-down measures but through respecting individual responsibility and spontaneous order. This reflection calls for a careful examination of the language used in policy debates, as well as a skepticism of government actions that propose to correct societal wrongs without fully considering their long-term implications. Overall, the quote invites us to cherish and defend the liberal tradition that prioritizes liberty, individual rights, and limited government, warning against the seductive allure of simplified solutions under banners like social justice.]

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July 10, 2025

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