--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Under communism, prices were not allowed…" description: "\"Under communism, prices were not allowed to reflect economic reality. Under capitalism, prices don't reflect ecological reality. In the long run, the c..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/698/denis-hayes-16094_capitalism_under-communism-prices-were-not-allowed_2538090.png" --- # Under communism, prices were not allowed to reflect… ![“Under communism, prices were not allowed to reflect economic reality. Under capitalism, prices don't reflect ecological reality. In the long run, the capitalist flaw -- if uncorrected -- may prove to be the more catastrophic.” quote by Denis Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/698/denis-hayes-16094_capitalism_under-communism-prices-were-not-allowed_2538090.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/698/denis-hayes-16094_capitalism_under-communism-prices-were-not-allowed_2538090.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/698/denis-hayes-16094_capitalism_under-communism-prices-were-not-allowed_2538090.png) > “Under communism, prices were not allowed to reflect economic reality. Under capitalism, prices don't reflect ecological reality. In the long run, the capitalist flaw -- if uncorrected -- may prove to be the more catastrophic.” [Denis Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-hayes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Economic systems often ignore true costs, leading to hidden damage; capitalism may cause ecological crises if unchecked. **In simple terms:** Systems ignore true costs, causing hidden damage. Key Takeaway Recognize and internalize environmental costs. Themes economics environment capitalism ecology risk Mood concerned urgent Type analytical warning When to use this quote - policy making - business strategy - investment decisions - environmental advocacy Key Concepts externalities sustainability systemic risk long-term planning Questions to Reflect On - How can we redesign markets to reflect ecological costs? - What policies can prevent ecological catastrophe? 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