Activity Quote by Boris Johnson
“I don't believe that economic equality is possible; indeed some measure of inequality is essential for the spirit of envy and keeping up with the Joneses that is, like greed, a valuable spur to economic activity.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Statement, Boris Johnson, 2022
Economic inequality fuels competition and ambition, which can drive growth; some disparity is seen as a motivating force.
In simple terms: Inequality can motivate economic activity.
Key Takeaway
Balance incentives with fairness.
Themes
economics
motivation
competition
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- business strategy
- personal finance
- public discourse
Key Concepts
incentive structures
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How much inequality is acceptable for growth?
- What alternative motivators exist?
A Different Perspective
Too much inequality can harm social cohesion and fairness.
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
