Accepting Quote by Robert H. Frank
“One reason that might motivate a worker to accept a riskier job at higher pay, for example, would be that doing so would enable him to bid more effectively for a house in a better school district. But if other workers did likewise, none would achieve the goal they were striving for.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Economic Natural of Human Behavior”, 1999, Economics
Higher pay for risky jobs may help individuals afford better schools, but if everyone does it, the advantage disappears.
In simple terms: Risky jobs help individuals, not everyone.
Key Takeaway
Consider collective effects of individual choices.
Themes
economics
risk
housing
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- housing markets
- education policy
Key Concepts
Game theory
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can prevent collective loss?
- How to balance risk and community benefit?
A Different Perspective
Individual incentives can create zero‑sum outcomes.
