This book is the first to describe the social market economy from the perspective of its founder, Ludwig Erhard. The book introduces the political-ethical thinking underlying Erhard's social market economy and shows how inadequately considered and justified current policies are. The basis of Erhard's political conception was the model of a dignified, self-confident way of life, free from paternalism and restraints. From this model were derived basic economic and social policy goals, which Erhard achieved: Full employment, social security through "prosperity for all" and self-reliant provision, as well as stability and debt-free public budgets. The policies of recent years have deviated from Erhard's conception and can achieve neither prosperity for all nor social justice, neither stability noc.