Politics determines who has the power, not who has the truth.
Paul KrugmanRead
Bad ideas flourish because they are in the interest of powerful groups.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Bad ideas thrive when they benefit those in power, often influencing perception and decision-making.
This quote by Paul Krugman suggests that the prevalence of poor or misguided ideas can often be traced back to the interests of powerful entities that promote them for their own gain. When those in positions of authority or influence back certain narratives, it becomes easier for these ideas to gain traction, regardless of their validity or potential consequences. It highlights the importance of critically assessing the motivations behind the information and beliefs that dominate public discourse.
Themes
Bad IdeasPowerInterestsInfluenceTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the influence of misinformation, this quote could be used to illustrate how elite interests shape public beliefs.
More from Paul Krugman
All quotes →Our popular economics writers, however, are not in the business of giving their readers a ringside seat on the research action; with no exception I can think of, they use their books to do an end run around the normal structure of scholarship, to preach ideas that few serious economists share. Often, these ideas are not just at odds with the professional consensus; they are demonstrably wrong, and sometimes terminally silly. But they sound good to the unwary reader.
Paul KrugmanRead
The raw fact is that every successful example of economic development this past century ... has taken place via globalization.
Paul KrugmanRead
Wealthy Americans who benefit hugely from a system rigged in their favor react with hysteria to anyone who points out just how rigged the system is.
Paul KrugmanRead
It’s not about the budget; it’s about the power...So will the attack on unions succeed? I don’t know. But anyone who cares about retaining government of the people by the people should hope that it doesn’t.
Paul KrugmanRead
The economics profession went astray because economists, as a group, mistook beauty, clad in impressive-looking mathematics, for truth.
Paul KrugmanRead
Similar quotes
If you have ever seen a four-year-old trying to lord it over a two-year-old, then you know what the basic problem of human nature is - and why government keeps growing larger and ever more intrusive.
Thomas SowellRead
Responsibility, n. A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbor. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.
Ambrose BierceRead
Only He who really lived a human life (and I presume that only one did) can fully taste the horror of death.
C. S. LewisRead
The truth is, our civilization is not Christian; it is a tragic compound of great ideal and fearful practice, of loving charity and fearful clutching of possessions.
Alan PatonRead
Nothing could be more reckless than to base one's moral philosophy on the latest pronouncements of science.
Edward AbbeyRead
There are certain phrases potent to make my blood boil -- improper influence! What old woman's cackle is that?" "Are you a young lady?" "I am a thousand times better: I am an honest woman, and as such I will be treated.
Charlotte BronteRead