But part of the job of economics is weeding out errors. That is much harder than making them, but also more fun.
Robert SolowRead
Why does a public discussion of economic policy so often show the abysmal ignorance of the participants?
Interpretation
The quote highlights the lack of understanding among individuals discussing economic policy.
Robert Solow's quote questions the frequent ineptitude and misunderstanding exhibited by people engaging in public discussions about economic policy. It suggests that despite the significance of these discussions, many participants may lack the necessary knowledge or expertise, which can lead to misguided opinions and ineffective policy deliberation.
In practice
In a debate on national economic policy, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of informed discussions.
By adoption of these principles, the long-felt want for a uniform medium will be satisfied. The taxpayers will be saved immense sums of interest, discounts, and exchanges. The financing of all public enterprises, the maintenance of stable government and ordered progress, and the conduct of the Treasury will become matters of practical administration. The people can and will be furnished with a currency as safe as their own government.
When the word 'morality' comes up in connection with economics, income distribution and financial stability are usually the issues. Is it moral for rich countries to use such a high proportion of the world's resources or for investment bankers to earn large bonuses?
We need the middle class to feel more confident about its prospects and about its future. We need to cut down on this anxiety that sees some people succeeding and the majority struggling - having to make choices between paying for their kids' education or saving for their own retirement.
The recurrence of periods of depression and mass unemployment has discredited capitalism in the opinion of injudicious people. Yet these events are not the outcome of the operation of the free market. They are on the contrary the result of well-intentioned but ill-advised government interference with the market.
I am a huge bull on this country. We will not have a double-dip recession at all. I see our businesses coming back almost across the board.
It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.
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