Abandon Quote by Paul Ormerod
“We need to abandon the economist's notion of the economy as a machine, with its attendant concept of equilibrium. A more helpful way of thinking about the economy is to imagine it as a living organism.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death of Economics, Paul Ormerod, 2009
Viewing the economy as a living system highlights interdependence and adaptability, unlike static machine models.
In simple terms: Economy is like a living organism.
Key Takeaway
Adopt a systems‑thinking view of markets.
Themes
economics
systems theory
adaptability
Mood
analytical
optimistic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy design
- business strategy
- education
- environmental planning
Key Concepts
complex adaptive systems
interdependence
emergence
Questions to Reflect On
- How would a living‑organism view change policy?
- What limits does this metaphor have?
A Different Perspective
Systems thinking can be abstract and hard to measure.
