Frank Knight

Economics American 1885 – 1972 101 quotes

A founder of the Chicago School, known for his work on risk, uncertainty, and profit.

Quotes by Frank Knight

To understand society, one must understand the economy, but to understand the economy, one must understand the soul.

Intelligence and the Social Order 1935

Patience is the companion of wisdom.

Personal Correspondence

Markets are not perfect, but they are the best we have for coordinating human action.

Freedom and Reform 1947

The wise man knows he knows nothing, and acts accordingly.

The Limitations of Scientific Method in Economics 1924

Innovation comes from those who dare to be wrong.

Risk, Uncertainty and Profit 1921

Life's value is not in duration, but in donation.

Speech Excerpt

Economics is the science of choice, but choice is the art of living.

What is Truth in Economics? 1941

Doubt is the beginning of wisdom.

Intelligence and the Social Order 1935

The profit motive is but a shadow of the human spirit.

Risk, Uncertainty and Profit 1921

In the end, what matters is not what we have, but what we give.

Personal Reflection

Teaching is the greatest of the arts, for it shapes minds.

On the History and Method of Economics 1951

Uncertainty breeds opportunity for the bold.

Risk, Uncertainty and Profit 1921

The economy is a reflection of our values.

The Ethics of Competition 1933

Wit is educated insolence.

Witty Remark

Reform without freedom is tyranny.

Freedom and Reform 1947

The pursuit of knowledge is endless.

Intelligence and the Social Order 1935

Human progress is measured by the reduction of uncertainty.

Risk, Uncertainty and Profit 1921

Live not for yourself, but for others.

Letter Excerpt

Economics teaches us that nothing is free.

What is Truth in Economics? 1941

The last word on economics is silence.

The Limitations of Scientific Method in Economics 1924