If you feed enough oats to the horse, some will pass…
“If you feed enough oats to the horse, some will pass through to feed the sparrows (referring to "trickle down" economics).”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Affluent Society, John Kenneth Galbraith, 1958
Wealth tends to concentrate at the top, leaving little for those below, despite the promise of trickle‑down benefits.
In simple terms: Rich get richer, poor get poorer.
Key Takeaway
Consider how policies affect all income levels.
Themes
economics
inequality
policy
wealth distribution
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- tax reform
- minimum wage debates
- public welfare programs
- economic education
Key Concepts
trickle‑down
redistributive economics
social welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design policies that truly benefit lower‑income groups?
- What mechanisms ensure fair distribution of wealth?
A Different Perspective
Assumes wealth will naturally flow downward, which often fails.