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Our thesis is that the idea of a self-adjusting market…

“Our thesis is that the idea of a self-adjusting market implied a stark utopia. Such an institution could not exist for any length of time without annihilating the human and natural substance of society; it would have physically destroyed man and transformed his surroundings into a wilderness.” quote by Karl Polanyi
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“Our thesis is that the idea of a self-adjusting market implied a stark utopia. Such an institution could not exist for any length of time without annihilating the human and natural substance of society; it would have physically destroyed man and transformed his surroundings into a wilderness.”

Karl Polanyi

About This Quote

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

A self‑regulating market, if left unchecked, would erode social and ecological foundations, turning humanity into a destructive force.

In simple terms: Uncontrolled markets destroy society and nature.

Key Takeaway

Guard against market excesses.

Themes

economics environment society utopia regulation

Mood

cautious critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy design
  • environmental regulation
  • community planning
  • corporate governance
  • urban development

Key Concepts

market self‑regulation social ecology human impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we embed social safeguards in market systems?
  • What limits should be set to protect nature?
A Different Perspective

Markets cannot function without social and ecological constraints.

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