[on the theory of the firm] It is exactly analogous to the analysis of the reactions of a consumer by means of indifferent curves. Indeed, a consumer is merely a 'firm' whose product is 'utility.'

Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.

A world of unseen dictatorship is conceivable, still using the forms of democratic government.

Economics has been incurably growth-oriented and addicted to everybody growing richer, even at the cost of exhaustion of resources and pollution of the environment.

Equilibrium is a figment of the human imagination.

Theories without facts may be barren, but facts without theories are meaningless.

We should always bear in mind that numbers represent a simplification of reality.

DNA has been aptly described as the first three-dimensional Xerox machine.

The world moves into the future as a result of decisions, not as a result of plans. Plans are significant only insofar as they affect decisions.

If we saw tomorrow's newspaper today, tomorrow would never happen.

There is no such thing as economics, only social science applied to economic problems.

If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

The benefits often outweigh the suffering. Never concentrate on the pain, focus on the reward.

Trust yourself, because society always corrupt our confidence.

The highest form of worship is to answer God's prayer.

Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed down-stairs one step at a time.

I think if you spend much time dwelling on influence you can get self-conscious about every line you write. That's a great way to freeze up.

I'm not much of a planner. I set a goal and there really is nothing else... no plan B.

actuaries are people who wanted to be accountants but didn't have the personality.

I, for one, will join in with anyone -- I don't care what color you are -- as long as you want to change this miserable condition that exists on this earth.

I don't like spoilers. I don't like things being spoiled.