Well first of all, tell me: Is there some society you know…
““Well first of all, tell me: Is there some society you know that doesn’t run on greed? You think Russia doesn’t run on greed? You think China doesn’t run on greed? What is greed? Of course, none of us are greedy, it’s only the other fellow who’s greedy. The world runs on individuals pursuing their separate interests. The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus. Einstein didn’t construct his theory under order from a bureaucrat. Henry Ford didn’t revolutionize the automobile industry that way. In the only cases in which the masses have escaped from the kind of grinding poverty you’re talking about, the only cases in recorded history, are where they have had capitalism and largely free trade. If you want to know where the masses are worse off, worst off, it’s exactly in the kinds of societies that depart from that. So that the record of history is absolutely crystal clear, that there is no alternative way so far discovered of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by the free-enterprise system.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates free-market capitalism as the most effective system for prosperity, arguing greed is a natural driver.
In simple terms: Free markets drive progress; greed is a motivator.
Key Takeaway
Support economic freedom.
Themes
economics
politics
freedom
capitalism
Mood
analytical
critical
informative
Type
political
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- educational context
- public discourse
- economic reform
Key Concepts
free markets
individual incentives
government role
historical evidence
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of free markets?
- How can greed be mitigated?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks market failures and inequality concerns.