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Business Quote by Milton Friedman

“If we have system in which government is in a position to give large favor - it's human nature to try to get this favor - whether those people are large enterprises, or whether they're small businesses like farmers, or whether they're representatives of any other special group. The only way to…” quote by Milton Friedman
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“If we have system in which government is in a position to give large favor - it's human nature to try to get this favor - whether those people are large enterprises, or whether they're small businesses like farmers, or whether they're representatives of any other special group. The only way to prevent that is to force them to engage in competition one with the other.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic policy lecture, 1970

Government favors can be abused; competition prevents concentration of advantage.

In simple terms: Competition curbs favoritism and abuse.

Key Takeaway

Promote fair competition in policy.

Themes

economics government policy ethics fairness competition corruption public‑interest

Mood

analytical critical

Type

academic policy‑oriented

When to use this quote

  • public procurement
  • small business support
  • anti‑corruption reforms

Key Concepts

political economy regulation antitrust law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure competition is truly fair?
  • What safeguards prevent collusion among competitors?
A Different Perspective

Competition alone may not address systemic bias.

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