Vilfredo Pareto

The concentration of wealth follows a mathematical law.

Aristocracies rise and fall like seasons.

I regret nothing; science was my life.

The non-logical conduct of man is the key to sociology.

To a critic: Your words are like smoke—impressive but substanceless.

Economic laws are as immutable as those of physics.

The meaning of life is in the pursuit of knowledge, not in its possession.

Socialism appeals to the weak because it promises equality in mediocrity.

Ophelimity is the true measure of economic value.

Elites govern, but the governed shape the elite through circulation.

In debate: Arguments are won by logic, wars by force.

Humanity's progress is illusory; it's just elite turnover.

The 20% who produce 80% deserve the rewards.

Old age teaches that passion fades, but curiosity endures.

Utility curves reveal the soul of economics.

Politicians are derivations of the people's residues.

Life's wisdom: Observe more, speak less.

The iron law of oligarchy applies to all societies.

To my successor: Build on facts, not fantasies.

Humor in economics: Supply and demand dance, but prices lead.