Gunnar Myrdal
Swedish economist known for work on economic development and racial issues.
Most quoted
"The American dilemma is the ever-raging conflict between the high-sounding general principles enunciated in the American Creed and the actual practices of discrimination."
— from An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy, 1944
"The 'soft state' is characterized by a general lack of social discipline, which manifests itself in various forms of corruption, inefficiency, and disregard for rules."
— from Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations, 1968
"The cumulative causation theory emphasizes that changes in one factor tend to induce changes in other factors, leading to a circular and self-reinforcing process."
— from Economic Theory and Underdeveloped Regions, 1957
All quotes by Gunnar Myrdal (102)
Economics is not neutral; it serves values.
The South's economy is chained to its racial past.
True progress measures by the uplift of the downtrodden.
In letters to friends, I often reflected on the futility of war.
Humor in economics: The rich get richer while the poor count calories.
My last words: Keep fighting for equality, even in death.
Professional observation: Monetary policy must serve social goals.
Personal reflection: Happiness is in service to humanity.
The dilemma of America is moral, not economic.
Asia's drama is one of hope amidst despair.
Valuations shape our understanding of reality.
In speeches, I quipped that economists predict nine out of ten recessions.
Correspondence revealed my doubts about pure capitalism.
Interview quote: The Nobel Prize is a call to greater responsibility.
Key passage: The cumulative causation in poverty traps nations.
Witty remark: Politicians use economics like a drunk uses a lamppost—for support, not illumination.
Reflection on life: Age brings clarity to what truly matters—justice.
Observation: Fiscal policy is the tool of the people.
Aphorism: Equality is the foundation of freedom.
From letters: Myrdal to Keynes—Your theories inspire, but implementation lags.
Contemporaries of Gunnar Myrdal
Other Economicss born within 50 years of Gunnar Myrdal (1898–1987).