Creation Quote by Milton Friedman
“For example, the supporters of tariffs treat it as self-evident that the creation of jobs is a desirable end, in and of itself, regardless of what the persons employed do. That is clearly wrong. If all we want are jobs, we can create any number--for example, have people dig holes and then fill them up again, or perform other useless tasks. Work is sometimes its own reward. Mostly, however, it is the price we pay to get the things we want. Our real objective is not just jobs but productive jobs--jobs that will mean more goods and services to consume.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Freedom, 1962
He argues jobs alone are insufficient; productive jobs that generate goods and services are the true goal.
In simple terms: Jobs should produce value, not just exist.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating valuable, productive work.
Themes
economics
productivity
labor
policy
value creation
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
economic
policy
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- public policy
- career planning
Key Concepts
economic theory
job quality
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a productive job?
- How can we balance value creation with worker satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Emphasizing productivity may overlook job dignity and well‑being.
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