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Businessmen have a different set of delusions from…

“Businessmen have a different set of delusions from politicians; and need, therefore, different handling. They are, however, much milder than politicians, at the same time allured and terrified by the glare of publicity…You could do anything you like with them, if you would treat them (even the big…” quote by John Maynard Keynes
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“Businessmen have a different set of delusions from politicians; and need, therefore, different handling. They are, however, much milder than politicians, at the same time allured and terrified by the glare of publicity…You could do anything you like with them, if you would treat them (even the big ones) not as wolves and tigers, but as domestic animals by nature, even though they have been badly brought up and not trained as you would wish.”

John Maynard Keynes

About This Quote

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

Businessmen and politicians have different delusions; each needs tailored management, treating businessmen as tame rather than wild

In simple terms: Treat businessmen with nuanced, less aggressive strategies than politicians

Key Takeaway

Apply softer, tailored management to business leaders

Themes

economics politics leadership

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic political

When to use this quote

  • corporate governance
  • policy making
  • public relations
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

behavioral economics power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the risks of over‑taming business leaders?
  • How do delusions differ between sectors?
A Different Perspective

Business leaders may still act unpredictably despite gentle handling

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