Bad Quote by Ronald Coase
“The pollution problem is always seen as someone who was doing something bad that has to be stopped. To me, pollution is doing something bad and good. People don't pollute because they like polluting. They do it because it's a cheaper way of producing something else.”
About This Quote
Pollution is often framed as purely harmful, but it can be a side effect of cheaper production methods that also create value.
In simple terms: Pollution can be a by‑product of cheap production.
Key Takeaway
Recognize trade‑offs in environmental policy.
Themes
environment
economics
tradeoffs
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- energy production
- policy design
Key Concepts
externalities
costbenefit analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align profit motives with environmental health?
- What policies balance cost and sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring economic incentives can hinder effective solutions.
![“I can't remember one [example of regulation] that's good. Regulation of transport, regulation of agriculture - agriculture is a, zoning is z. You know, you go from a to z, they are all bad. There were so many studies, and the result was quite universal: The effects were bad.” quote by Ronald Coase](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02e/ronald-coase-17623_agriculture_i-can-t-remember-one-example-of-regulati_654706.jpg)
![“I can't remember [of a good regulation]. Regulation of transport, regulation of agriculture — agriculture is a, zoning is z. You know, you go from a to z, they are all bad. There were so many studies, and the result was quite universal: The effects were bad” quote by Ronald Coase](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/03a/ronald-coase-17623_agriculture_i-can-t-remember-of-a-good-regulation-re_974279.jpg)
