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One of the profound effects of economics in our day is…

“One of the profound effects of economics in our day is that the people with the money and the power have embraced the guilt-free, external-less, everything-will-turn-out-okay-in-the-end philosophy of economics in order to justify their own evil works. And the economists, for the most part, have…” quote by Jane Smiley
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“One of the profound effects of economics in our day is that the people with the money and the power have embraced the guilt-free, external-less, everything-will-turn-out-okay-in-the-end philosophy of economics in order to justify their own evil works. And the economists, for the most part, have sucked up to that money.”

Jane Smiley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Powerful individuals use economic rationalism to excuse harmful actions, while economists often complicitly support them.

In simple terms: Rich use economics to justify evil; economists enable it.

Key Takeaway

Question economic claims critically.

Themes

ethics power economics corruption responsibility

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical ethical

When to use this quote

  • Policy analysis
  • corporate governance
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

Moral hazard justification systemic bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we hold economists accountable?
  • Can profit be separated from ethics?
A Different Perspective

Economic rationalism can overlook moral costs.

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