Assumption Quote by George Saunders
“There's this de facto assumption that for something to have value, it has to be economically self-supporting - which imposes a very low ceiling on a culture.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Assumption of Value”, 2015
It argues that equating value with economic self-sufficiency limits cultural ambition and diversity.
In simple terms: Economic self‑sufficiency limits cultural ambition.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate how we define value beyond profit.
Themes
culture
economics
creativity
valuation
limitations
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- Arts funding
- non‑profit initiatives
- community projects
- alternative education
- policy making
Key Concepts
Cultural economics
value theory
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we recognize value that isn’t monetary?
- What policies could support non‑economic cultural growth?
A Different Perspective
Economic measures can overlook intrinsic or long‑term cultural benefits.
