Skip to content

Our belief in salvation through the market is very much in…

“Our belief in salvation through the market is very much in the Utopian tradition. The economists and managers are the servants of God. Like the medieval scholastics, their only job is to uncover the divine plan. They could never create or stop it. At most they might aspire to small alterations.” quote by John Ralston Saul
Download Open image
“Our belief in salvation through the market is very much in the Utopian tradition. The economists and managers are the servants of God. Like the medieval scholastics, their only job is to uncover the divine plan. They could never create or stop it. At most they might aspire to small alterations.”

John Ralston Saul

About This Quote

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

Market believers treat economics as a divine mission, echoing medieval scholars who claimed to reveal God’s plan, but they lack true creative power.

In simple terms: Markets are seen as sacred, but they’re limited.

Key Takeaway

Question the myth of market omnipotence.

Themes

economics philosophy religion power authority

Mood

critical contemplative

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • business strategy
  • academic debate
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

determinism hubris institutional critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you view markets as moral agents?
  • How does this belief affect regulation?
A Different Perspective

Markets can still drive positive change despite limits.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Ralston Saul

Explore all 139 John Ralston Saul quotes

More Alterations quotes

Browse all 94 Alterations quotes