Avarice Quote by Adam Smith
“Avarice and injustice are always shortsighted, and they did not foresee how much this regulation must obstruct improvement, and thereby hurt in the long-run the real interest of the landlord.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Short-sighted greed and unfairness block progress, ultimately harming those they claim to protect, especially landlords.
In simple terms: Greed and injustice hinder long‑term improvement and harm real interests.
Key Takeaway
Avoid short‑term selfishness; consider long‑term effects.
Themes
greed
injustice
short‑sightedness
economic policy
landlord interests
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
economic
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- property law reform
- business strategy
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
Economic self‑interest
public good
regulation impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How might short‑sighted policies affect future generations?
- Can fairness coexist with profit motives?
A Different Perspective
May overlook immediate benefits of regulation that could yield greater overall welfare.
