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About this quote

What does it mean?
Economists would gain respect if they were seen as humble professionals like dentists.
In plain terms
Economists should aim to be viewed as humble and useful like doctors.
What can you take from it?
Humility and practical utility earn professional respect.

Where it applies

  • public perception
  • career advice
  • professional conduct

Putting it to work

  • lower ego
  • focus on utility
  • serve public good

Questions to consider

  • What makes a profession respected?
  • Should experts be humble?

Another view

Some fields require high theory over practical utility.

More from John Maynard Keynes

  1. When the accumulation of wealth is no longer of high social importance, there will be great changes in the code of morals. We shall be able to rid ourselves of…

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  2. Most men love money and security more, and creation and construction less, as they get older.

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  3. In truth, the gold standard is already a barbarous relic.

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