Absolutes Quote by Henry Hazlitt
“Socialists will often talk as if some form of superbly equalized destitution were preferable to "maldistributed" plenty. A national income that is rapidly growing in absolute terms for practically everyone will be deplored because it is making the rich richer.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt, 1946
People may reject growing wealth because they see inequality rising, even when overall prosperity increases.
In simple terms: We sometimes oppose wealth growth due to perceived unfairness.
Key Takeaway
Consider both absolute and relative economic changes.
Themes
economics
inequality
wealth distribution
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- public opinion
- personal finance
Key Concepts
Capitalism
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure true economic progress?
- What policies balance growth and fairness?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring overall growth can misguide policy.
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