Vilfredo Pareto

Residues are the constant factors in human nature; derivations are the variable explanations.

Power is not held by those who should have it, but by those who take it.

In politics, the masses are led by the elite, whether they like it or not.

The 80/20 rule applies not just to wealth, but to all human endeavors.

Socialism is a derivation from the residue of class struggle.

Truth in science is what works, not what is believed.

The decline of an aristocracy is due to its infertility in producing new elites.

I have always been a liberal, but liberalism has betrayed me.

Life is a struggle for survival, and society is the arena.

Mathematics is the language of economics.

The Pareto optimum is where no one can be made better off without making someone worse off.

Revolutions are not made by the masses, but by the circulating elite.

Human actions are governed by sentiments more than by reason.

To my dear friend: The world is full of fools who think they are wise.

Equilibrium in economics is like balance in a circus act—precarious but necessary.

The utility of goods is not absolute but relative to human needs.

Society progresses through the replacement of governing elites.

In my old age, I see that wisdom comes from observing, not preaching.

Protectionism is the folly of nations fearing their own strength.

Derivations are the masks we wear to justify our residues.