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Business Quote by John Maynard Keynes

“If human nature felt no temptation to take a chance there might not be much investment merely as a result of cold calculation.” quote by John Maynard Keynes
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“If human nature felt no temptation to take a chance there might not be much investment merely as a result of cold calculation.”

John Maynard Keynes

About This Quote

Source Book: The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, 1936

Human beings are driven by desire and risk; without temptation, rational calculation alone would limit investment.

In simple terms: Temptation fuels investment beyond pure logic.

Key Takeaway

Embrace calculated risk.

Themes

economics human nature investment risk motivation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical economic

When to use this quote

  • business planning
  • personal finance
  • entrepreneurship
  • market speculation

Key Concepts

Game theory behavioral economics uncertainty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does desire influence your financial decisions?
  • When might caution outweigh opportunity?
A Different Perspective

Pure calculation often underestimates human creativity and emotional drivers.

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