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Roughly speaking, when you are dealing with business firms…

“Roughly speaking, when you are dealing with business firms operating in a competitive system, you can assume that they're going to act rationally. Why? Because someone in a firm who buys things at $10 and sells them for $8.00 isn't going to last very long in that firm.” quote by Ronald Coase
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“Roughly speaking, when you are dealing with business firms operating in a competitive system, you can assume that they're going to act rationally. Why? Because someone in a firm who buys things at $10 and sells them for $8.00 isn't going to last very long in that firm.”

Ronald Coase

About This Quote

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

Firms act rationally to avoid losses; buying high and selling low is unsustainable.

In simple terms: Businesses avoid loss; act rationally.

Key Takeaway

Make decisions that preserve profit margins.

Themes

economics rationality business profit

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

economic business

When to use this quote

  • pricing strategy
  • budget planning
  • risk assessment
  • competitive analysis
  • financial forecasting

Key Concepts

cost‑benefit analysis market competition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure rational decisions under uncertainty?
  • What safeguards protect against loss?
A Different Perspective

Unexpected market shifts can disrupt rational plans.

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