Every day Quote by Joseph Heller
““His specialty was alfalfa, and he made a good thing out of not growing any. The government paid him well for every bushel of alfalfa he did not grow. The more alfalfa he did not grow, the more money the government gave him, and he spent every penny he didn't earn on new land to increase the amount of alfalfa he did not produce. Major Major's father worked without rest at not growing alfalfa. On long winter evenings he remained indoors and did not mend harness, and he sprang out of bed at the crack of noon every day just to make certain that the chores would not be done. He invested in land wisely and soon was not growing more alfalfa than any other man in the county. Neighbours sought him out for advice on all subjects, for he had made much money and was therefore wise. “As ye sow, so shall ye reap,” he counselled one and all, and everyone said “Amen.””
About This Quote
A man profit from not producing a commodity, exploiting subsidies, and reinvesting to avoid production entirely.
In simple terms: He earned money by not growing alfalfa.
Key Takeaway
Avoiding work can be profitable.
Themes
economics
irony
subsidies
human nature
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- agricultural markets
Key Concepts
perverse incentives
resource allocation
Practical Applications
- recognize and challenge perverse incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- What systems reward non‑production?
- How to design fair incentives?
A Different Perspective
Such schemes can harm overall productivity.
