Advantage Quote by John Maynard Keynes
“I expect to see the State, which is in a position to calculate the marginal efficiency of capital-goods on long views and on the basis of the general social advantage, taking an ever greater responsibility for directly organizing investments.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, 1936
Keynes argues that the state should actively calculate and allocate capital goods based on long‑term social benefit, assuming greater responsibility for investment planning.
In simple terms: The government should plan and direct investments for societal benefit.
Key Takeaway
Let the state guide long‑term investment decisions.
Themes
economics
government
investment
planning
social welfare
Mood
analytical
optimistic
critical
Type
policy
economic
strategic
When to use this quote
- national infrastructure projects
- green energy transition
- public research funding
- urban development
- education system reform
Key Concepts
marginal efficiency
capital goods
social advantage
state responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can governments balance expertise with democratic accountability?
- What mechanisms ensure efficient long‑term planning?
A Different Perspective
State capacity may be limited by political constraints and information gaps.
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