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Better things Quote by Brian Alexander

“They’d been trained to make a tangible thing, and to sell the thing for a little more than the thing cost to make, and then to use that profit to pay people, make better things, and slide a little dividend into the pockets of those who’d risked their money to invest in the creation. The idea was…” quote by Brian Alexander
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““They’d been trained to make a tangible thing, and to sell the thing for a little more than the thing cost to make, and then to use that profit to pay people, make better things, and slide a little dividend into the pockets of those who’d risked their money to invest in the creation. The idea was pretty simple. But America had come a long way—and had decided the idea was too simple. So,””

Brian Alexander

About This Quote

Source Book: The Rise of the Creative Class, Brian Alexander, 2015

The quote critiques how profit-driven production overshadows the original purpose of creating useful goods, turning simple ideas into complex financial schemes.

In simple terms: Profit motives complicate simple creation ideas.

Key Takeaway

Focus on value, not just profit.

Themes

economics production capitalism innovation investment

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical commentary

When to use this quote

  • startup funding
  • manufacturing
  • product design
  • entrepreneurship

Key Concepts

market dynamics value creation financial incentives

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can creators retain purpose amid profit pressure?
  • What balance between profit and value is ideal?
A Different Perspective

Complex financial structures can erode original intent.

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