--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We begin with the proposition that…" description: "\"“We begin with the proposition that capitalism is not chiefly an incentive system but an information system. We continue with the recognition, explaine..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/george-gilder-6757_economic-growth_we-begin-with-the-proposition-that-capit_888702.jpg" --- # We begin with the proposition that capitalism is not… ![“We begin with the proposition that capitalism is not chiefly an incentive system but an information system. We continue with the recognition, explained by the most powerful science of the epoch, that information is best defined as surprised-what we cannot predict rather than what we can. The key…” quote by George Gilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/george-gilder-6757_economic-growth_we-begin-with-the-proposition-that-capit_888702.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/george-gilder-6757_economic-growth_we-begin-with-the-proposition-that-capit_888702.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e08/george-gilder-6757_economic-growth_we-begin-with-the-proposition-that-capit_888702.jpg) > ““We begin with the proposition that capitalism is not chiefly an incentive system but an information system. We continue with the recognition, explained by the most powerful science of the epoch, that information is best defined as surprised-what we cannot predict rather than what we can. The key to economic growth is not acquisition of things by the pursuit of monetary rewards but the expansion of wealth through learning and discovery.”” [George Gilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gilder/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Capitalism functions as an information system where surprise—unpredictable discoveries—drives growth more than monetary incentives. **In simple terms:** Capitalism thrives on surprise and learning, not just money. Key Takeaway Foster environments that reward learning and discovery. Themes economics information theory innovation growth Mood analytical critical Type theoretical analytical When to use this quote - business strategy - education policy - R&D management - startup culture Key Concepts systems theory behavioral economics technology diffusion Questions to Reflect On - How can organizations balance surprise-driven innovation with reliable rewards? - What role does predictability play in economic stability? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on surprise can ignore the need for stable incentives and resource allocation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism/) [Economic growth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economic-growth/) [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. 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Future job and economic growth in industry, defense, transportation, agriculture,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-bond/advances-in-technology-will-continue-to-reach-far-into-every-sector/) [Christopher Bond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-bond/) ## More by George Gilder > [“It removes information from the market when I need more and more...Indexing is a waste heap--information so merged and muffled that it hides knowledge…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gilder/it-removes-information-from-the-market-when-i-need-more-and-more/) [George Gilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gilder/) > [“An economics of systems only-an economics of markets but not of men-is fatally flawed.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gilder/an-economics-of-systems-only-an-economics-of-markets-but-not-of-men/) [George Gilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gilder/) > [If government could create jobs and raise children, socialism would have worked.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gilder/if-government-could-create-jobs-and-raise-children-socialism-would/) [George Gilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gilder/) > [Socialism is an insurance policy bought by all the members of a national economy to shield them from risk. 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