George Stigler

Economics American 1911 – 1991 100 quotes

A Nobel laureate and leading figure of the Chicago School, known for his work on industrial organization and the economics of information.

Quotes by George Stigler

The theory of regulation is a theory of how political processes shape economic outcomes.

The Theory of Economic Regulation 1971

The market is a system of incentives and disincentives.

Attributed

The economist's job is to make the complex simple, but not simplistic.

Attributed

The history of economic thought is a testament to the enduring power of ideas.

Essays in the History of Economics 1965

The market is a mechanism for allocating scarce resources.

Attributed

The economist's job is to understand the unintended consequences of policies.

Attributed

The theory of price is a theory of how markets work.

The Theory of Price 1966

The market is a powerful engine of economic growth.

Attributed

The economist's job is to bring rigor and clarity to the study of human behavior.

Attributed

The history of economic thought is a story of progress and setbacks.

Essays in the History of Economics 1965

The rise of the economist as a public figure reflects the growing importance of economic policy in modern society.

Speech 1960

Regulation is often the product of the self-interest of the regulated industry.

Book 1971

Economics is the art of making the most of what we have.

Article 1950

The market is a mechanism for coordinating the actions of millions without central command.

Nobel Lecture 1976

Intellectual progress in economics comes from questioning established doctrines.

Book 1940

One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.

Interview 1980

The role of government in the economy should be minimal, lest it stifle innovation.

Speech 1962

Empirical evidence is the ultimate arbiter in economic theory.

Article 1955

Monopoly power is rarely permanent in a competitive world.

Book 1942

The consumer is sovereign, but only if information is perfect.

Book 1961