Keynesians think that you can take water from the deep end…
“Keynesians think that you can take water from the deep end of the swimming, pump it into the shallow end of the swimming pool and somehow the water level of the swimming pool will rise.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Woods uses a swimming pool analogy to criticize Keynesian fiscal policy, suggesting that moving resources from deep to shallow does not increase overall wealth.
In simple terms: Keynesian policies shift resources without creating new wealth.
Key Takeaway
Question the effectiveness of redistributive policies.
Themes
economics
policy
critique
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
economic
political
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- public welfare programs
- tax policy
Key Concepts
macroeconomics
fiscal stimulus
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can redistribution ever increase total wealth?
- What are the limits of fiscal stimulus?
A Different Perspective
The analogy ignores multiplier effects and demand-side dynamics.