#453 #453 – Javier Milei: President of Argentina – Freedom, Economics, and Corruption
Javier Milei on Economic Freedom
Javier Milei on Economic Freedom
Dr. Lex Fridman Host
Curious computer scientist and insightful podcast host exploring diverse ideas.
Javier Milei
Charismatic economist and libertarian leader advocating freedom and reform.
Summary
In this conversation, Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, discusses his radical approach to economic transformation, rooted in libertarian and anarcho-capitalist principles. He explains how he tackled hyperinflation, unemployment, and poverty by slashing government ministries, reducing public spending, and deregulating the economy. Milei emphasizes the importance of freedom—economic, political, and of speech—and his fight against government corruption. He shares his inspirations from Austrian economics, his admiration for figures like Murray Rothbard and Milton Friedman, and his vision for Argentina to become the freest country in the world. Milei also reflects on his personal journey, his passion for music, and his belief in the power of the free market to improve human lives.
Highlights
- The difference between a madman and a genius? Success.
- We have not only made the biggest fiscal adjustment in the history of humanity, but also most of that went back to the people as less seigniorage, as a lower inflation rate.
- The most wonderful thing about capitalism is that you can only be successful by serving others with better quality goods at a better price.
- The secret to life is to carry on in spite of the blows you get, the punches you take.
- Long live freedom, dammit.
Takeaways
- Freedom is essential for economic and political success.
- Deregulation and reducing state size can lead to significant economic improvements.
- Markets are the best mechanism for resource allocation when free from state intervention.
- Cultural battles must be fought alongside economic and political ones to preserve freedom.
- Success requires resilience and the willingness to face criticism and adversity.
Official description
Javier Milei is the President of Argentina. This episode is available in both English and Spanish.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep453-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/javier-milei-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Javier Milei's X: https://x.com/JMilei
Javier Milei's Instagram: https://instagram.com/javiermilei
Javier Milei's Facebook: https://facebook.com/JavierMileiEconomista
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Eight Sleep: Temp-controlled smart mattress.
Go to https://eightsleep.com/lex
NetSuite: Business management software.
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BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
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AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drinks.
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LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(14:44) - Economic freedom
(20:09) - Anarcho-capitalism
(30:02) - Presidency and reforms
(49:22) - Poverty
(55:54) - Corruption
(1:04:32) - Freedom
(1:18:43) - Elon Musk
(1:24:11) - DOGE
(1:26:13) - Donald Trump
(1:32:13) - US and Argentina relations
(1:39:22) - Messi vs Maradona
(1:48:16) - God
(1:50:22) - Elvis and Rolling Stones
(1:54:02) - Free market
(2:01:03) - Loyalty
(2:03:40) - Advice for young people
(2:05:06) - Hope for Argentina
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
SOCIAL LINKS:
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Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep453-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/javier-milei-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Javier Milei's X: https://x.com/JMilei
Javier Milei's Instagram: https://instagram.com/javiermilei
Javier Milei's Facebook: https://facebook.com/JavierMileiEconomista
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Eight Sleep: Temp-controlled smart mattress.
Go to https://eightsleep.com/lex
NetSuite: Business management software.
Go to http://netsuite.com/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drinks.
Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(14:44) - Economic freedom
(20:09) - Anarcho-capitalism
(30:02) - Presidency and reforms
(49:22) - Poverty
(55:54) - Corruption
(1:04:32) - Freedom
(1:18:43) - Elon Musk
(1:24:11) - DOGE
(1:26:13) - Donald Trump
(1:32:13) - US and Argentina relations
(1:39:22) - Messi vs Maradona
(1:48:16) - God
(1:50:22) - Elvis and Rolling Stones
(1:54:02) - Free market
(2:01:03) - Loyalty
(2:03:40) - Advice for young people
(2:05:06) - Hope for Argentina
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
SOCIAL LINKS:
- X: https://x.com/lexfridman
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lexfridman
- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lexfridman
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lexfridman
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lexfridman
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/lexfridman
- Telegram: https://t.me/lexfridman
- Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/lexfridman