A Chinese translation of The Great Fiction: Property, Economy, Society, and the Politics of Decline (Laissez Faire Books, 2012; second revised edition, Mises Institute, 2021), is now available in a Chinese translation as 自由社会的法律根基 (Feb. 2025) (pdf).
The book was translated by Li San (李三) of the Mises Translation and Compilation Society (米塞斯编译社译丛), a group dedicated to translating and editing the classic works of the Austrian School.
From a note by the translator, Li San (李三):
I am writing to you with great excitement as an Austrian School learner from mainland China. In the Chinese-speaking world, there are quite many enthusiasts from all walks of life who are now seriously studying the Austrian School of Economics. Among them, the Mises Translation and Compilation Society is dedicated to translating, editing, and publishing the classic works of the Austrian School.
I’m also honored to be part of it, mainly translating your masterpieces. From last October to now, I’ve already translated three works of yours, namely Getting Libertarianism Right, A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism, and The Great Fiction. In addition, I’ve also translated the book Legal Foundations of a Free Society by Stephan Kinsella, who I believe is your good friend.
I started translation under the encouragement and inspiration of a close friend, known as Ke`er (可二）. It was he who translated the book Democracy: The God That Failed and made it extremely popular among Chinese readers. Translating your works has been a very pleasant journey for me, just like enjoying a feast of ideas. Although I had read your book The Economics and Ethics of Private Property before, when I read Democracy: The God That Failed, I was deeply shocked by the sense of subversion. Before that, I had blind faith in democracy.
The development of China’s economy in recent decades has been witnessed by the whole world, and the answers given by the academic community couldn’t completely dispel my doubts until I read your work. I suddenly felt enlightened and clear-headed.
I and many of my friends think that you are the greatest libertarian thinker of all time. Just as your mentor, Professor Rothbard, said, on the basis of surpassing Hume’s “is” and “ought” dilemma, you have laid a scientific foundation for libertarianism. Arising from my deep-rooted love for your articles, I have a small personal wish, which is to translate all of your works into Chinese so that more readers on the Chinese Internet who love freedom can read them. We are making efforts to publish the three books that have already been translated. We would be extremely grateful if we could obtain your authorization.
Last but not least, we have prepared for you a Christmas and New Year gift , a handmade Mises Family Crest, made by Ms. Han, who is also a member of the Mises Translation and Compilation Society. Please check the attached photos.
I also own a piece of the Mises family crest, which is placed on my desk. I jokingly call it my God of Wealth. I promised my friends that I would write you an email and present this gift to you. If it’s convenient, please let me know your mailing address to receive this woodcarving art piece as a token of appreciation.
Wish you good health!
