It is impossible to understand the history of economic thought if one does not pay attention to the fact that read more

It is impossible to understand the history of economic thought if one does not pay attention to the fact that economics as such is a challenge to the conceit of those in power.

Worry about being better; bigger will take care of itself. Think one customer at a time and take care of read more

Worry about being better; bigger will take care of itself. Think one customer at a time and take care of each one the best way you can.

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...

What difference does it make how much you have? What you do not have amounts to much more.

What difference does it make how much you have? What you do not have amounts to much more.

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.

It is the duty of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, not to skin them.

It is the duty of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, not to skin them.

The boss must first distinguish between action information and status information. He must discipline himself not to act on problems read more

The boss must first distinguish between action information and status information. He must discipline himself not to act on problems his managers can solve, and never to act on problems when he is explicitly reviewing status. I once knew a boss who invariably picked up the phone to give orders before the end of the first paragraph in a status report. That response is guaranteed to squelch full disclosure.

And wisest he in this whole wide land
Of hoarding till bent and gray;
For all you read more

And wisest he in this whole wide land
Of hoarding till bent and gray;
For all you can hold in your cold, dead hand
Is what you have given away.
. . . .
He gave with a zest and he gave his best;
Give him the best to come.

People who work sitting down get paid more than people who work standing up.

People who work sitting down get paid more than people who work standing up.