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Humility is the distinguishing virtue of the believer in freedom; arrogance, of the paternalist.
Milton Friedman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Humility is essential for those who truly value freedom, while arrogance is characteristic of those who impose their will on others.

In this quote, Milton Friedman emphasizes the importance of humility as a necessary trait for individuals who advocate for freedom and self-determination. In contrast, he suggests that arrogance is typical of paternalistic attitudes where one assumes authority over others, diminishing their autonomy and freedom.

Themes

HumilityFreedomArrogancePaternalismVirtue

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about leadership styles, one might use this quote to illustrate the difference between humble and arrogant leaders.

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The great danger to the consumer is the monopoly -whether private or governmental. His most effective protection is free competition at home and free trade throughout the world. The consumer is protected from being exploited by one seller by the existence of another seller from whom he can buy and who is eager to sell to him. Alternative sources of supply protect the consumer far more effectively than all the Ralph Naders of the world.
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The strongest argument for free enterprise is that it prevents anybody from having too much power. Whether that person is a government official, a trade union official, or a business executive. If forces them to put up or shut up. They either have to deliver the goods, produce something that people are willing to pay for, are willing to buy, or else they have to go into a different business.
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