Cheapness Quote by Walter James
““We have come to have no idea of profit other than financial profit. The delusion is that cheapness leads to plenty. But what use is plenty of rubbish?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown public address, date unclear
The quote critiques equating profit solely with money and the mistaken belief that low cost ensures abundance, highlighting the waste of producing excess low‑quality goods.
In simple terms: Profit isn’t only money; cheapness doesn’t guarantee abundance.
Key Takeaway
Rethink value beyond price.
Themes
economics
consumerism
environment
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- product design
- policy making
- consumer education
- environmental advocacy
Key Concepts
sustainability
value theory
market distortion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cheapness impact quality?
- What alternatives exist to profit‑centric thinking?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook cases where low cost truly expands access to essential goods.
