Capitalism Quote by Carne Ross
““In neo-classical economic theory, it is claimed without evidence that people are basically self-seeking, that they want above all the satisfaction of their material desires: what economists call "maximising utility". The ultimate objective of mankind is economic growth, and that is maximized only through raw, and lightly regulated, competition. If the rewards of this system are spread unevenly, that is a necessary price. Others on the planet are to be regarded as either customers, competitors or factors of production. Effects upon the planet itself are mere "externalities" to the model, with no reckoning of the cost - at least for now. Nowhere in this analysis appears factors such as human cooperation, love, trust, compassion or hatred, curiosity or beauty. Nowhere appears the concept of meaning. What cannot be measured is ignored. But the trouble is that once our basic needs for shelter and food have been met, these factors may be the most important of all.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Critique Lecture, 2023
The quote critiques neo‑classical economics for ignoring non‑material human values and treating people as market units.
In simple terms: Economics often overlooks love, trust, and meaning.
Key Takeaway
Consider human values beyond profit.
Themes
economics
humanism
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business strategy
- environmental planning
Key Concepts
utility maximization
externalities
human cooperation
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should be measured in economies?
- How can policies reflect compassion?
A Different Perspective
Economic models can’t fully capture human complexity.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
