Jim Stanford

"Proving that profit is economically and morally justifiable, rather then the result of exploitation, has been a central preoccupation of neoclassical economists."

"This relationship is the foundation for the argument, made by some trade unionists and labour advocates, that high wages can actually be "good for business". The precedent set by Henry Ford in 1914, who offered workers $5.00 per day (a very high wage at the time) so they could afford to buy the same cars they made, is often invoked."

"Forget about the market updates. Heres a better way to find out about the economy-your economy. Take a walk. And ask some questions."

"Capitalism, in contrast, has existed for fewer than 300 years. If the entire history of Homo sapiens was a 24-hour day, then capitalism has existed for two minutes."

"Economics is a social science, not a physical science."

"Never trust an economist with your job. Learn about economics yourself. And make up your own mind about what might protect your job – and what might destroy it."

"We know that investment causes growth. But it is also true that growth causes investment."

"Kalecki thus precisely predicted the economic and political U-turn that occurred with the advent of neoliberalism. Kalecki also argued that fundamental institutional changes, especially regarding wage-setting and other aspects of the employment relationship, would be essential if full employment was to be sustained."

"Employers crave the power to fire workers whose performance is judged inferior-not just to get rid of those particular workers, but more importantly to motivate and discipline the rest of the workforce."

"Indeed, if communist central planners could have organized the economy with as much detail, precision, and flexibility as a modern-day Toyota or Wal-Mart, communism would probably still exist!"

"Try this: say the words "global, global, global" aloud several times, as fast as you can. Youll find yourself sounding like a turkey ("gobble, gobble, gobble")."

"Growth can also involve producing services instead of goods. In particular, a major expansion of public and caring services (like child care, education, elder care, and other life-affirming programs) would generate huge increases in GDP and incomes, with virtually no impact on the environment."