After Quote by Robert Higgs
“We need to have a modicum of faith in people's common sense, creativity and will to survive and prosper even in the face of great difficulties and obstacles. If people could keep society running in the aftermath of the Black Death, they could keep it running after the U.S. government defaulted on its debt.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Resilience Lecture, 2015
Society must retain faith in common sense, creativity, and survival will to endure crises, as demonstrated by historical recoveries like after the Black Death and potential future fiscal defaults.
In simple terms: Society needs belief in human ingenuity to survive hardships.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate collective resilience.
Themes
economics
resilience
human ingenuity
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
motivational
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- public policy
- community building
- post‑crisis recovery
Key Concepts
Crisis management
social trust
creative problem solving
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies strengthen societal resilience?
- How can creativity be fostered during crises?
A Different Perspective
Optimism may overlook structural inequities that hinder recovery.
