If you are a good economist, a virtuous economist, you are reborn as a physicist. But if you are an evil, wicked economist, you are reborn as a sociologist.

[I]n America, at least, we have a pretty good record for behaving in a fiscally responsible fashion, with one exception - namely, the fiscal irresponsibility that prevails when, and only when, hard-line conservatives are in power.

Simple doesn't mean stupid. Thinking that it does, does.

Republican candidates had to appeal to their base, which is by and large elderly white people arguing with empty chairs.

It’s not about the budget; it’s about the power...So will the attack on unions succeed? I don’t know. But anyone who cares about retaining government of the people by the people should hope that it doesn’t.

Bad ideas flourish because they are in the interest of powerful groups.

The French, unfortunately, actually believe what they say, and that has been very destructive.