As a percentage of GDP, the United States government spends more than the Chinese. There is no better measurement of socio-economic freedom, so is it right that we consider the situation in China to be communistic, and the U.S. to be a democratic, capitalistic society? Von Mises will please any mind that finds the preceding point elucidating.He is a master of the Austrian (classical liberal) school of economics, his points are made brilliantly using history as a guide. 'Liberalism' is a fantastic non-technical description of his principles. VonMises is occasionally overzealous in his explication of the concept of liberty, but his zeal is a testament to the energizing power of these ideas. In a world where governments are involved in nearly ever process of our lives, 'Liberalism' points out that there is an economic 'path less taken', the path of individual freedom, and we have every right to believe that this path leads to a prosperity we can only dream of today. Well written and insightful - 'Liberalism' is an excellent starting point to understanding the perspective of the classical liberal.