If patriotism is, as Dr. Johnson used to remark, the last refuge of the scoundrel, wrapping outdated industry in the read more

If patriotism is, as Dr. Johnson used to remark, the last refuge of the scoundrel, wrapping outdated industry in the mantle of national interest is the last refuge of the economically dispossessed. In economic terms, pleading national interest is the declining cottage industry of those who have been bypassed by the global economy.

Our supplies of natural resources are not finite in any economic sense. Nor does past experience give reason to expect read more

Our supplies of natural resources are not finite in any economic sense. Nor does past experience give reason to expect natural resources to become more scarce. Rather, if history is any guide, natural resources will progressively become less costly, hence less scarce, and will constitute a smaller proportion of our expenses in future years.

Value is not intrinsic; it is not in things. It is within us; it is the way in which man read more

Value is not intrinsic; it is not in things. It is within us; it is the way in which man reacts to the conditions of his environment.

The City's reluctance to take a stand on an issue like the British Gas pay row makes a mockery of read more

The City's reluctance to take a stand on an issue like the British Gas pay row makes a mockery of corporate governance and shareholders' ability to influence annual general meetings. Institutions should be obliged to make public how they vote at such events. They should be obliged to provide customers with a record of how they vote on every kind of issue.

Usually the greatest boasters are the smallest workers. The deep rivers pay a larger tribute to the sea than shallow read more

Usually the greatest boasters are the smallest workers. The deep rivers pay a larger tribute to the sea than shallow brooks, and yet empty themselves with less noise.

The herd instinct among forecasters makes sheep look like independent thinkers.

The herd instinct among forecasters makes sheep look like independent thinkers.

Energetic action on debt would make a radical difference to the prospects of many of the poorest countries in the read more

Energetic action on debt would make a radical difference to the prospects of many of the poorest countries in the world, at no practical cost to creditor countries.

When you want something, you have to be willing to pay your dues.

When you want something, you have to be willing to pay your dues.

Prosperity is living easily and happily in the real world, whether you have money or not.

Prosperity is living easily and happily in the real world, whether you have money or not.