Business Quote by Milton Friedman
“Anything that government can do, private enterprise can do for half the cost.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Freedom, 1962
The claim suggests private sector can deliver services more cheaply than government.
In simple terms: Private firms can often provide services at lower cost than the state.
Key Takeaway
Consider private alternatives for public services.
Themes
economics
public policy
efficiency
government
private sector
Mood
analytical
critical
pragmatic
Type
economic
policy
When to use this quote
- healthcare procurement
- infrastructure projects
- education services
- utility provision
Key Concepts
market competition
cost reduction
public‑private dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When might government involvement be necessary?
- How do we ensure quality in private delivery?
A Different Perspective
Assumes profit motive always aligns with public interest.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)