One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Few can believe that suffering, especially by others, is in vain. Anything that is disagreeable must surely have beneficial economic effects.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that suffering often leads to positive outcomes, particularly in economic contexts.
John Kenneth Galbraith reflects on the idea that suffering, especially that endured by others, typically serves a purpose, and is unlikely to occur without some form of beneficial outcome. He implies that even the most unpleasant experiences can have underlying advantages, particularly in the realm of economics, challenging the belief that all suffering is pointless.
Themes
SufferingBenefitEconomicsAdvantagePain
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about the importance of hardship in growth during a motivational speech.
More from John Kenneth Galbraith
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The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
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All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door.
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Money differs from an automobile or mistress in being equally important to those who have it and those who do not.
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People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
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