Bed Quote by Paul Samuelson
“Economists are said to disagree too much but in ways that are too much alike: If eight sleep in the same bed, you can be sure that, like Eskimos, when they turn over, they'll all turn over together.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Economic Theory, 1975
Economists' disagreements often mirror each other's patterns, like synchronized movement in a shared space.
In simple terms: Economists often agree on how they disagree.
Key Takeaway
Recognize patterns in debate.
Themes
economics
agreement
disagreement
behavioral patterns
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic conferences
- public policy discussions
Key Concepts
theory
group dynamics
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do similar viewpoints arise?
- How can we foster productive disagreement?
A Different Perspective
Consensus may mask underlying differences.
![“When the economy was going up, [Milton Friedman and I] both gave the same advice, and when the economy was going down, we gave the same advice. But in between he didn't change his advice at all.” quote by Paul Samuelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e0/paul-samuelson-9078_advice_when-the-economy-was-going-up-milton-fri_107897.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
