Economies are supposed to serve human ends.. not the other way round. We forget at our peril that markets make a good servant, a bad master and a worse religion.
Amory LovinsRead
Today we have a temporary aberration called "industrial capitalism" which is inadvertently liquidating its two most important sources of capital, the natural world and properly functioning societies._x000D_ _x000D_ No sensible capitalist would do that.
Interpretation
The quote critiques industrial capitalism for harming the environment and society, which are vital for sustainable growth.
Amory Lovins highlights the paradox of industrial capitalism, which is currently undermining its own foundations. By exploiting the natural world and neglecting societal welfare, capitalism risks destroying the very resources it depends on for success. This critique suggests that true capitalism should be sustainable and recognize the value of ecological balance and social cohesion.
In practice
In a discussion about sustainable business practices, you could use this quote to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship.
Economies are supposed to serve human ends.. not the other way round. We forget at our peril that markets make a good servant, a bad master and a worse religion.
Our energy future is choice, not fate. Oil dependence is a problem we need no longer have-and it's cheaper not to. U.S. oil dependence can be eliminated by proven and attractive technologies that create wealth, enhance choice, and strengthen common security.
What drags down our entire economy is when there's an ever-widening chasm between the ultra-rich and everybody else.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
Cutting government spending and government intrusion in the economy will almost surely involve immediate gain for the many, short-term pain for the few, and long-term gain for all.
The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe.
If a government resorts to inflation, that is, creates money in order to cover its budget deficits or expands credit in order to stimulate business, then no power on earth, no gimmick, device, trick or even indexation can prevent its economic consequences.
After adjusting for inflation, the average income of the top 5% of households grew by 38% from 1989 to 2013. By comparison, the average real income of the other 95% of households grew less than 10%.
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