George Stigler

Keynesian economics is a beautiful error.

Personal freedom is intertwined with economic liberty.

Data collection is the drudgery that yields gold.

The antitrust laws are often tools for competitors, not consumers.

Life is a series of trades, each with costs and benefits.

Comeback: If economics is dismal, it's because reality is.

Industrial organization studies the anatomy of competition.

The meaning of life? Maximizing utility, of course.

Speeches should inform, not indoctrinate.

Joke: Why did the economist cross the road? To assume the other side.

From 'The Theory of Price': Price is the signal of scarcity.

Letters to Friedman: Collaboration accelerates insight.

Interview: My greatest regret is not pursuing more empirical work earlier.

On deathbed: Keep questioning, even to the end.

Aphorism: Incentives explain everything in human behavior.

Witty: Politicians promise to turn water into wine; economists know it's impossible.

Observation: Search costs shape market structures.

Reflection: Economics has given my life purpose through understanding society.

Excerpt: The organization of industry evolves with technology.

Comeback to critic: Your theory is elegant; mine works.