We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad…
“We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics. Out of the collapse of a prosperity whose builders boasted their practicality has come the conviction that in the long run economic morality pays.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Self‑interest harms morals and economics; long‑term, morality benefits the economy.
In simple terms: Ethical behavior supports sustainable economics.
Prioritize moral decisions for economic health.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate governance
- personal finance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does morality affect markets?
- What policies enforce ethical economics?
May clash with short‑term profit.