We live in a time of transition, an uneasy era which is likely to endure for the rest of this read more

We live in a time of transition, an uneasy era which is likely to endure for the rest of this century. During the period we may be tempted to abandon some of the time-honored principles and commitments which have been proven during the difficult times of past generations. We must never yield to this temptation. Our American values are not luxuries, but necessities - not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself.
in his farewell address.

All mass movements avail themselves of action as a means of unification. The conflicts a mass movement seeks and incites read more

All mass movements avail themselves of action as a means of unification. The conflicts a mass movement seeks and incites serve not only to down its enemies but also to strip its followers of their distinct individuality and render them more soluble in the collective medium.

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.

Most people...find a disorientating mismatch between the long-term nature of their liabilities and the increasingly short-term nature of their assets.

Most people...find a disorientating mismatch between the long-term nature of their liabilities and the increasingly short-term nature of their assets.

I wake up every morning and thank God I’m not a chartered accountant any longer, but involved with property.

I wake up every morning and thank God I’m not a chartered accountant any longer, but involved with property.

Frankly, I don't want to see a rapid upturn. I want it to hold until some of these idiotic competitors read more

Frankly, I don't want to see a rapid upturn. I want it to hold until some of these idiotic competitors go bust.

There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.

There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.

The rich adopt novelties and become accustomed to their use. This sets a fashion which others imitate. Once the richer read more

The rich adopt novelties and become accustomed to their use. This sets a fashion which others imitate. Once the richer classes have adopted a certain way of living, producers have an incentive to improve the methods of manufacture so that soon it is possible for the poorer classes to follow suit. Thus luxury furthers progress. Innovation "is the whim of an elite before it becomes a need of the public. The luxury today is the necessity of tomorrow." Luxury is the roadmaker of progress: it develops latent needs and makes people discontented. In so far as they think consistently, moralists who condemn luxury must recommend the comparatively desireless existence of the wild life roaming in the woods as the ultimate ideal of civilized life.

This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never read more

This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never gives them. In some form or other, we pay for her favors; or we go empty away.