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Bangs Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith

“Those who had been riding the upward wave decide now is the time to get out. Those who thought the increase would be forever find their illusion destroyed abruptly, and they, also, respond to the newly revealed reality by selling or trying to sell. And thus the rule, supported by the experience of…” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
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“Those who had been riding the upward wave decide now is the time to get out. Those who thought the increase would be forever find their illusion destroyed abruptly, and they, also, respond to the newly revealed reality by selling or trying to sell. And thus the rule, supported by the experience of centuries: the speculative episode always ends not with a whimper but with a bang.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

About This Quote

Source Book: The Great Crash, 1929 by John Kenneth Galbraith, 1954

Speculative booms end abruptly and dramatically, not quietly.

In simple terms: Speculative bubbles burst loudly.

Key Takeaway

Expect abrupt ends to speculative periods.

Themes

economics speculation market cycles history

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advice historical

When to use this quote

  • investment strategy
  • risk assessment
  • financial planning
  • policy making

Key Concepts

bubble dynamics behavioral finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What indicators signal a speculative bubble?
  • How can investors protect against sudden market crashes?
A Different Perspective

Predicting timing of crashes is difficult.

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