We ought to define a man's income as the maximum value…
“We ought to define a man's income as the maximum value which he can consume during a week, and still expect to be as well off at the end of the week as he was at the beginning.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Income should be measured by what can be consumed while maintaining the same wealth level week after week.
In simple terms: Consume without losing wealth.
Key Takeaway
Spend within sustainable limits.
Themes
economics
wealth
consumption
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
theoretical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal budgeting
- financial planning
- policy design
Key Concepts
intertemporal choice
utility
budgeting
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define a sustainable consumption level?
- What risks arise from over‑consumption?
A Different Perspective
Sustainable consumption may ignore future uncertainties.