Business Quote by Milton Friedman
“What does it mean to say that government might have a responsibility? Government can't have a responsibility any more than the business can. The only entities which can have responsibilities are people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Capitalism and Freedom, 1962
Only individuals can bear duties; institutions cannot be held morally accountable.
In simple terms: People, not entities, have responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Focus on personal accountability.
Themes
ethics
politics
individualism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- leadership
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
moral agency
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Can corporate culture embody responsibility?
- How do laws assign duties to groups?
A Different Perspective
Institutions do affect outcomes, creating indirect responsibilities.
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