Believe Quote by Milton Friedman
“I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. Unless it is politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing, the right people will not do the right thing either, or it they try, they will shortly be out of office.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Policy Remarks, 1970s, United States
Political incentives shape behavior more than individual virtue; aligning profit with ethical actions drives change.
In simple terms: People act where profit meets right.
Key Takeaway
Create incentives for good deeds.
Themes
politics
incentives
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
policy
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislation
- campaign strategy
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
public choice
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align profit with ethical outcomes?
- What incentives currently favor wrong actions?
A Different Perspective
Political realities may resist incentive redesign.
