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Thanks to economists, all of us, from the days of Adam…

“Thanks to economists, all of us, from the days of Adam Smith and before right down to the present, tariffs are perhaps one tenth of one percent lower than they otherwise would have been. … “And because of our efforts, we have earned our salaries ten-thousand fold.” quote by Milton Friedman
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“Thanks to economists, all of us, from the days of Adam Smith and before right down to the present, tariffs are perhaps one tenth of one percent lower than they otherwise would have been. … “And because of our efforts, we have earned our salaries ten-thousand fold.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

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

Tariffs have been reduced significantly due to economists’ advocacy, boosting wages dramatically.

In simple terms: Economists helped lower tariffs, raising wages.

Key Takeaway

Support sound economic policy.

Themes

economics policy wages

Mood

analytical critical

Type

informative explanatory

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • business strategy
  • public debate

Key Concepts

free trade tariff reduction income growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do tariffs affect different industries?
  • What are the long‑term impacts of lower tariffs?
A Different Perspective

Policy effects can vary by sector.

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