Activity Quote by Kenneth E. Boulding
“I shall argue that it is the capital stock from which we derive satisfaction, not from the additions to it (production) or the subtractions from it (consumption): that consumption, far from being a desideratum, is a deplorable property of the capital stock which necessitates the equally deplorable activity of production: and that the objective of economic policy should not be to maximize consumption or production, but rather to minimize it, i.e. to enable us to maintain our capital stock with as little consumption or production as possible.”
About This Quote
Source Journal article: Economic Thought, 1970
True well‑being comes from preserving capital, not from endless production or consumption; minimizing both sustains wealth.
In simple terms: Preserve capital, limit production and consumption.
Key Takeaway
Focus on sustainable capital maintenance.
Themes
economics
environment
sustainability
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
economic
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- public policy
- personal finance
- urban planning
Key Concepts
capital theory
resource limits
degrowth
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societies thrive with less production?
- What policies can balance capital and consumption?
A Different Perspective
Reducing consumption may conflict with growth expectations.
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