Let’s imagine a fictional meeting between Karl Marx, the father of communism, and Ludwig von Mises, one of the main theorists of economic liberalism. They meet in a room, full of books and with the aroma of coffee in the air, to discuss the complex relationship between truth and lies in society.
Marx: Let us begin, Mises, with a fundamental observation. The truth, at its core, is often manipulated by the ruling class to perpetuate their power structures. The idea that “The truth always provides good foundations for lies” is a reflection on how capitalism masks its contradictions and exploitations.
Mises: Marx, although your analysis of the manipulation of truth by the ruling classes has merit, you neglect the ability of the free market and competition to reveal truths. In capitalism, truth emerges from the interaction between supply and demand, from individual choices. Lying, on the other hand, is unsustainable in the long term in a truly free market.
Marx: But don’t you see, Mises, that the so-called “market truth” is, in itself, a social construction, shaped by power relations? The truth, when used by capitalists, only serves to hide the reality of exploitation under the veil of “freedom of choice”. True freedom cannot be achieved as long as classes and oppression exist.
Mises: Marx, your criticism ignores the fact that socialism, by centralizing power, is much more susceptible to the manipulation of the truth. In capitalism, despite its flaws, there is a dispersion of power that allows for multiple narratives and competing truths. Truth is decentralized and therefore more resistant to systematic manipulation.
Marx: The decentralization you speak of is an illusion, Mises. Economic power in capitalism is concentrated in the hands of a few, and these few shape the perception of truth to serve their interests. True decentralization of power can only be achieved through the abolition of classes.
Mises: And yet, Marx, his proposal to abolish classes leads to a concentration of power in the State, which becomes the sole arbiter of truth. How can we trust a single entity to determine what is true? History has shown that socialist regimes often resort to censorship and manipulation of information to maintain control.
Marx: The problem, Mises, is not the search for truth or the attempt to mold it to our worldviews. The problem arises when power structures use truth as an instrument of domination, whether in capitalism or socialism. The challenge is to build a society where the truth serves the common good, not the interests of an elite.
Mises: We agree, then, Marx, that the manipulation of truth is a problem in any system. However, I believe that the solution does not lie in the abolition of classes or the centralization of power, but in the promotion of transparency, education and individual freedom.
Marx: And I maintain, Mises, that without a radical transformation of our economic and social relations, any attempt at “transparency” will be superficial. True change requires overcoming the material conditions that allow the manipulation of truth.
They continue their conversation, each fervently defending their worldview, but both recognizing the complexity of the relationship between truth and lies in society. Although they do not reach consensus, the dialogue illuminates the depths and nuances of this relationship, reflecting humanity’s eternal quest to understand the nature of truth and reality.
Continuing the imaginary conversation between Karl Marx and Ludwig von Mises, both begin to explore contemporary examples that illustrate the premise “The truth always provides good foundations for lies”, pointing out severe criticisms of both communist and capitalist regimes.
Marx: Let us then consider the case of North Korea, a regime that calls itself communist. The truth about the development of social programs and technological advances serves as the foundation for a narrative that hides the repression, lack of freedom and extreme poverty faced by the population. This use of truth to mask oppressive realities is a grotesque deviation from the principles I have defended.
Mises: And what about the United States, a bastion of capitalism, where the truth about the “American dream” and social mobility is used to sustain a system that, in reality, widens inequalities and perpetuates poverty? The true face of capitalism is often hidden behind a facade of prosperity and freedom, which is not accessible to everyone.
Marx: Precisely, Mises. And looking at China, we see an example of how the Communist Party uses the truth of economic growth and rising standards of living to justify censorship, massive surveillance and the suppression of individual freedoms. The truth is manipulated to consolidate power, distorting the ideals of equality and social justice that should underpin true communism.
Mises: Similarly, the 2008 financial crisis exposed the fragility of financial capitalism, where the truth about financial “innovation” was used to cover up the greed, rampant speculation and corruption that nearly brought the global financial system to collapse. The truth about the stability and security offered by markets was a foundation for lies that cost millions of jobs and deepened inequality.
Marx: And we cannot forget Venezuela, where the truth about the fight against poverty and inequality serves as a smokescreen for corruption, economic mismanagement and the erosion of democratic institutions. The regime relies on partial truths to legitimize an authoritarianism that betrays the principles of freedom and equality.
Mises: Similarly, the exploitation of the environment and the climate crisis illustrate how capitalism uses the truth of innovation and technological progress to justify environmental destruction and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The truth about development is often used to hide the devastating consequences for the planet and future generations.
This fictional dialogue between Karl Marx and Ludwig von Mises reveals the complexity of the relationship between truth and lies in contemporary societies, both under communist and capitalist regimes. Both thinkers, despite their deep ideological differences, agree that the manipulation of truth to serve the interests of power is a transversal problem, which challenges ethical and moral principles in different economic and political systems. Through this imaginary conversation, it becomes evident that the pursuit of a more just and transparent society requires an ongoing commitment to truth, integrity and responsibility, regardless of ideological inclinations.
Continuing the conversation, Marx and Mises approach common ground, recognizing the importance of freedom of information and ideas as fundamental to the true progress of any society, be it communist or capitalist.
Marx: Mises, despite our obvious differences, I believe we can agree that freedom of information and the free circulation of ideas are essential to the development of any system. In the communism that I envision, transparency and the active participation of the proletariat in the management of society and in decision-making are crucial. Without the freedom to express criticism and propose changes, we run the risk of falling into authoritarianism and stagnation.
Mises: I agree, Marx. And under capitalism, freedom of information is no less vital. It allows markets to function efficiently, with consumers and businesspeople making informed choices. More than that, it is the freedom to exchange ideas that drives innovation and progress. When the State or any other entity tries to control or restrict this flow of information, the system becomes vulnerable to corruption and abuse of power, affecting not only the economy, but society as a whole.
Marx e Mises: Therefore, we have reached a consensus that for any system—communist or capitalist—to achieve true progress, there must be an unwavering commitment to freedom of information and ideas. Manipulation of the truth and restriction of free thought are antithetical to human development and social justice. A truly free society is one that not only allows, but encourages open debate, constructive criticism and disruptive innovation. It is only through mutual respect for truth and freedom of expression that we can hope to build a better future for everyone, regardless of the current economic or political system.
This enriching dialogue between Karl Marx and Ludwig von Mises illustrates the complexity of social and political relations, highlighting freedom of information and ideas as pillars for the advancement of any society. Both recognize that, despite ideological differences, transparency, integrity and responsibility are universal values indispensable for achieving true human progress.
In this imaginary scenario, Marx and Mises find common ground in the idea that true freedom – whether in a communist system idealized by Marx, where the working class rules without the existence of classes, or in a free market defended by Mises, characterized by open competition and innovation – fundamentally depends on freedom of information and expression. They agree that without these freedoms, any system is doomed to failure, as stagnation and corruption set in when critical voices are silenced and the truth is manipulated.
The consensus between these two historical figures, although fictitious, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of free speech and transparency to the health and progress of any society. It is noteworthy that, regardless of ideological differences, the commitment to truth and freedom of information transcends economic and political systems, uniting individuals in the common search for a more just, equitable and prosperous society.
Therefore, this imaginary dialogue not only reflects on the complexity of truth and lies in contemporary societies, but also reiterates the universal need for a space where information can flow freely and ideas can be shared and debated openly. It is in this space that true progress – understood not only in economic terms, but also as the advancement of human well-being and social justice – can be achieved.
