Capable Quote by Paul Samuelson
“What counts is results, and there can be no doubt that the Soviet planning system has been a powerful engine for economic growth...The Soviet model has surely demonstrated that a command economy is capable of mobilizing resources for rapid growth.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Conference, 1970s
The Soviet planned economy showed that centralized control can drive rapid industrial growth, though often at social cost.
In simple terms: Central planning can boost growth quickly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both gains and drawbacks of command economies.
Themes
economic growth
central planning
industrialization
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
policy
historical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- policy debate
- development strategy
Key Concepts
resource mobilization
state control
efficiency vs freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for rapid growth?
- How sustainable is growth without market signals?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual freedoms and innovation limits.
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