Absolutely nothing Quote by Thomas Sowell
“After political crusades for 'affordable housing' ended up ruining the housing market and much of the economy with it, many of the same politicians are now carrying on a crusade for 'affordable health care.' But what you can afford has absolutely nothing to do with the cost of producing anything. Refusing to pay those costs means that you are just not going to continue getting the same quantity and quality - regardless of what any politician says or how well he says it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Commentary, Thomas Sowell, 1990s
Affordability arguments ignore production costs, leading to reduced quantity and quality of goods and services.
In simple terms: Demand must match production cost; otherwise supply suffers.
Recognize cost realities before demanding lower prices.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- housing policy debates
- healthcare reform discussions
- budget planning
- consumer expectations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers balance affordability with sustainable production?
- What alternatives exist to reduce costs without compromising quality?
Market adjustments may cause shortages or lower quality if costs are ignored.