Analysis Quote by Stewart Brand
“Excessively precise economic analysis can lead to assessing everything in terms of its easily measurable melt value - the value that thieves get from stealing copper wiring from isolated houses, that vandals got from tearing down Greek temples for the lead joints holding the marble blocks together, that shortsighted timber companies get from liquidating their forests. The standard to insist on is live value. What is something worth when it's working?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Whole Earth Catalog, 1968
The quote warns that focusing only on easy-to-measure monetary value ignores the true, functional worth of things while they are in use.
In simple terms: Measure value by usefulness, not just resale price.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize live value over melt value.
Themes
economics
environment
valuation
sustainability
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- investment decisions
- environmental assessments
- urban planning
Key Concepts
externalities
opportunity cost
resource stewardship
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the live value of an asset?
- When might melt value be the appropriate metric?
A Different Perspective
Melt value can be a useful metric but may mislead if overemphasized.
