Circumstances Quote by Milton Friedman
“But on the other hand, if you come under circumstances where each person is entitled to a pro-rata share of the pot, to take an extreme example, or even to a low level of the pie, than the effect of that situation is that free immigration, would mean a reduction of everybody to the same, uniform level. Of course, I'm exaggerating, it wouldn't go quite that far, but it would go in that direction. And it is that perception, that leads people to adopt what at first seems like inconsistent values.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Freedom Forum, 1998
He argues that free immigration tends to equalize incomes, potentially lowering overall standards, though he acknowledges exaggeration.
In simple terms: Free immigration may lower income levels for all.
Key Takeaway
Consider immigration’s economic impact.
Themes
economics
immigration
inequality
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- public discourse
- economic analysis
- immigration reform
Key Concepts
market dynamics
distribution effects
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the benefits of immigration?
- How does immigration affect wages in different sectors?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifies complex labor market effects.
