Doubt Quote by Will Durant
“The experience of the past lives little doubt that every economic system must sooner or later rely upon some form of the profit motive to stir individuals and groups to productivity. Substitutes like slavery, police supervision, or ideological enthusiasm prove too unproductive, too expensive, or too transient.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, 1935
Economic systems inevitably need profit incentives to motivate productivity; alternatives like slavery or ideology are less effective or sustainable.
In simple terms: Profit drives productivity; other systems fail.
Recognize profit as a key motivator in economies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- public policy
- social planning
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societies balance profit with equity?
- What non‑profit incentives could replace profit motives?
Profit motives can encourage inequality or exploitation.