quote · Legacy record
None of this excuses anyone from mastering the basic ideas and terminology of economics. The intelligent layman must expect also to encounter good economists who are difficult writers even though some of the best have been very good writers. He should know, moreover, that at least for a few great men ambiguity of expression has been a positive asset. But with these exceptions he may safely conclude that what is wholly mysterious in economics is not likely to be important.
None of this excuses anyone from mastering the basic ideas and terminology of economics. The intelligent layman must expect also to encounter good economists who are difficult writers even though some of the best have been very good writers. He should know, moreover, that at least for a few great men ambiguity of expression has been a positive asset. But with these exceptions he may safely conclude that what is wholly mysterious in economics is not likely to be important.
Approximate author period: c. 1957 AD · modern
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- John Kenneth Galbraith
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- Approximate author period: c. 1957 AD · modern
Approximate period for the recorded attribution to John Kenneth Galbraith, based on documented lifetime 1908 to 2006. Source: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186042 (checked 2026-10-08). This is not a quotation composition date or independent authentication of its attribution. Source: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186042 (accessed 2026-10-08).
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