Anthropologists Quote by Robert J. Samuelson
“Probably the only people left who think that economics deserves a Nobel Prize are economists. It confirms their conceit that they're doing 'science' rather than the less tidy task of observing the world and trying to make sense of it. This, after all, is done by mere historians, political scientists, anthropologists, sociologists, and (heaven forbid) even journalists. Economists are loath to admit that they belong in such raffish company.”
About This Quote
Source Opinion Column: The Wall Street Journal, 2023
The author criticizes economists for claiming scientific status, arguing that many disciplines already study complex social phenomena, and that economists resist interdisciplinary humility.
In simple terms: Economists claim science but ignore other fields that study society.
Key Takeaway
Encourage humility and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Themes
science
pride
interdisciplinary
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
opinion
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- policy analysis
- public discourse
- education reform
Key Concepts
epistemology
disciplinary boundaries
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can economics integrate insights from other social sciences?
- What benefits arise from interdisciplinary research?
A Different Perspective
Economists may still contribute valuable models.
![“Anthropology has always struggled with an intense, fascinated repulsion towards its subject… [The anthropologist] submits himself to the exotic to confirm his own inner alienation as an urban intellectual.” quote by Susan Sontag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe1/susan-sontag-332_alienation_anthropology-has-always-struggled-with-a_15322.jpg)
