Economists, on the whole, think well of what they do…
“Economists, on the whole, think well of what they do themselves and much less well of what their professional colleagues do.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Economists tend to view their own work favorably while being more critical of peers’ contributions.
In simple terms: Economists praise themselves, doubt others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias in self‑assessment.
Themes
economics
professional bias
self‑evaluation
peer review
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
academic
professional
When to use this quote
- research collaborations
- performance reviews
- policy advising
- academic conferences
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
in-group favoritism
academic culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How can economists improve objectivity?
- What mechanisms reduce peer bias?
A Different Perspective
Self‑praise can hinder constructive criticism.