Skip to content

On the political as on the economic front it's important…

“On the political as on the economic front it's important not to fall into the "not as bad as" trap. High unemployment isn't O.K. just because it hasn't hit 1933 levels; ominous political trends shouldn’t be dismissed just because there’s no Hitler in sight.” quote by Paul Krugman
Download Open image
“On the political as on the economic front it's important not to fall into the "not as bad as" trap. High unemployment isn't O.K. just because it hasn't hit 1933 levels; ominous political trends shouldn’t be dismissed just because there’s no Hitler in sight.”

Paul Krugman

About This Quote

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

Comparing current crises to past extremes can downplay serious problems, leading to complacency.

In simple terms: Avoid minimizing issues by comparing to worse times.

Key Takeaway

Address problems directly, not by downplaying.

Themes

economics politics history

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

analytical policy-oriented

When to use this quote

  • government reports
  • public debates

Key Concepts

policy analysis risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks arise from assuming “it’s not as bad”?
  • How can we evaluate crises on their own merits?
A Different Perspective

Comparisons may ignore unique modern challenges.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Paul Krugman

Explore all 175 Paul Krugman quotes

More Economic quotes

Browse all 6,235 Economic quotes