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.

To kill a relative of whom you are tired is something. But to inherit his property afterwards, that is genuine read more

To kill a relative of whom you are tired is something. But to inherit his property afterwards, that is genuine pleasure.

Those fighting for free enterprise and free competition do not defend the interests of those rich today. They want a read more

Those fighting for free enterprise and free competition do not defend the interests of those rich today. They want a free hand left to unknown men who will be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow...

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.

We may not be able to offer long-term employment, but we should try to offer long-term employability.

We may not be able to offer long-term employment, but we should try to offer long-term employability.

In all recorded history there has not been one economist who has had to worry about where the next meal read more

In all recorded history there has not been one economist who has had to worry about where the next meal would come from.

If money be not they servant, it will be thy master. The covetous man cannot so properly be said to read more

If money be not they servant, it will be thy master. The covetous man cannot so properly be said to possess wealth, as that may be said to possess him.

The only point in making money is, you can tell some big shot where to go.

The only point in making money is, you can tell some big shot where to go.

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, read more

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.