Accord Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
“Increasingly in recent times we have come first to identify the remedy that is most agreeable, most convenient, most in accord with major pecuniary or political interest, the one that reflects our available faculty for action; then we move from the remedy so available or desired back to a cause to which that remedy is relevant.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Affluent Society, 1958
We first choose convenient solutions, then retroactively justify them by linking to causes.
In simple terms: Convenient fixes are chosen before understanding problems.
Key Takeaway
Question the convenience of solutions before accepting them.
Themes
economics
policy
causality
decisionmaking
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- government planning
- business strategy
- public health initiatives
Key Concepts
systemic bias
policy inertia
rationalization
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying causes are overlooked by quick fixes?
- How can we prioritize root‑cause analysis?
A Different Perspective
Convenient choices may ignore deeper systemic issues.
