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Cafeteria Quote by Paul Samuelson

“For better or worse, US Keynesianism was so far ahead of where it started. I am a cafeteria Keynesian. You know what a cafeteria catholic is?” quote by Paul Samuelson
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“For better or worse, US Keynesianism was so far ahead of where it started. I am a cafeteria Keynesian. You know what a cafeteria catholic is?”

Paul Samuelson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic lecture or interview, date unknown

Keynesian economics is portrayed as adaptable, likened to a “cafeteria” where one picks ideas selectively.

In simple terms: Keynesianism is flexible, allowing selective adoption of its concepts.

Key Takeaway

Use economic tools pragmatically.

Themes

economics flexibility ideology policy adaptation

Mood

analytical critical inquisitive

Type

academic economic

When to use this quote

  • policy design
  • academic debate
  • public discourse
  • education

Key Concepts

heterodox economics policy mix ideological pluralism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the risks of cherry‑picking economic theories?
  • How can flexibility be balanced with consistency?
A Different Perspective

Critics may argue that selective adoption dilutes core principles.

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