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.
Developing economies may not have much control over the headwinds that they face today, but that does not mean that they are powerless. Much can be done not just to sustain moderate growth but also to secure a more prosperous and resilient future.
If anything, taxes for the lower and middle class and maybe even the upper-middle class should even probably be cut further. But I think that people at the high end - people like myself - should be paying a lot more in taxes. We have it better than we've ever had it.
Most poor people live in the poorest countries.
The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe.
If strong economic conditions can partially reverse supply-side damage after it has occurred, then policymakers may want to aim at being more accommodative during recoveries than would be called for under the traditional view that supply is largely independent of demand.
In a very weak economy, when you say 'cut government spending,' what you mean is you're laying off school teachers and you're de-funding various programs that put money into the economy. This means you have more unemployed people that then draw unemployment benefits and don't pay taxes.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.