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The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Video Series

9 videos
Updated 5 months ago
Money is one of the most important foundations of modern society, but where did it come from? In The Origins of Money, Carl Menger explains how money wasn’t created by governments or rulers—it emerged naturally from human exchange. Menger, the founder of the Austrian School of Economics, argued that money developed because people needed a better way to trade goods and services. Before money, people relied on barter, which made trade difficult since both parties had to want exactly what the other offered. Over time, certain goods—like gold, silver, and salt—became more widely accepted because they were durable, easy to carry, and held value. These goods gradually became the first forms of money. Menger’s insight was that money is not a creation of the state, but a product of spontaneous order—a solution that emerged from the decisions of countless individuals. This playlist breaks down the key ideas in The Origins of Money into easy-to-understand videos, showing how Menger’s theories still explain why certain forms of money work better than others and why money remains essential to a functioning economy. Whether you’re new to economics or looking to deepen your understanding, this series will help you see money in a whole new way.
  1. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 9 - The Influence of the Government on Money
    2:12
  2. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 8 - How Gold and Silver Became Money
    3:15
  3. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 7 - The Separation Process between Commodities and Money
    3:44
  4. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 6 - The Evolution of a Medium of Exchange
    3:58
  5. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 5 - Difference in Saleability between Commodities
    4:17
  6. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 4 - The Saleability of Commodities
    3:47
  7. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 3 - The Problem that Led to Money
    2:34
  8. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 2 - Past Attempts to Explain why Money has Value
    3:30
  9. The Origins of Money by Carl Menger Chapter 1 - Why does Money have Value?
    2:06