Big business Quote by Ludwig von Mises
“It is solely bigness in business which makes it possible to supply the masses with all those products the present-day American common man does not want to do without. Luxury goods for the few can be produced in small shops. Luxury goods for the many require big business.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Action, Ludwig von Mises, 1949
Large-scale enterprises are necessary to produce affordable luxury goods for mass markets, unlike small shops that serve niche luxury consumers.
In simple terms: Big business enables cheap luxury for many.
Key Takeaway
Leverage scale to lower costs.
Themes
economics
scale
luxury goods
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- mass market retail
- product pricing
- economies of scale
Key Concepts
production theory
market segmentation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can small businesses innovate to compete?
- What are the social impacts of mass luxury?
A Different Perspective
Small producers may struggle to compete on price for mass demand.
![“I think the answer has to do with the fact that [Louis D.] Brandeis was a consistent critic of bigness in business and in government.” quote by Jeffrey Rosen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/22e/jeffrey-rosen-13180_answers_i-think-the-answer-has-to-do-with-the-fa_3064957.jpg)
