The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.

When you see reference to a new paradigm you should always, under all circumstances, take cover.

The commencement speech is not, I think, a wholly satisfactory manifestation of our culture.

Of all classes the rich are the most noticed and the least studied.

People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.

If we are concerned about our great appetite for materials, it is plausible to decrease waste, to make better use of stocks available, and to develop substitutes. But what about the appetite itself? The major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, particularly in industrialised countries

Economics is a subject profoundly conducive to cliche, resonant with boredom. On few topics is an American audience so practiced in turning off its ears and minds. And none can say that the response is ill advised.