The ideas by which people . . . interpret their existence and in measure guide their behavior, were not forged in a world of wealth.

Economists are economical, among other things, of ideas; most make those of their graduate days do for a lifetime.

I am worried about our tendency to over invest in things and under invest in people.

If you're rich you can buy books. If you're poor, you need a library.

Monetary policy suffers from the unfortunate absence of any occult effect. It has long been clear that economic management...would be greatly facilitated if resort could occasionally be had to witchcraft.

Ralph [ Nader] is an old friend of mine, and he does a useful job in displaying a position.

Superficial observers have long criticized the United States for making a fetish of youth. This is unfair. Uniquely among modern organs of public and private administration, its national legislature rewards senility.