Our gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worth while. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans. (University of Kansas, 3-18-67)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- GNP ignores vital aspects of life like health, education, beauty, and integrity, measuring only material output.
- In plain terms
- Gross national product ignores education, health, and joy, counting only material wealth.
- What can you take from it?
- Material wealth does not capture the full value of a society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes America worth being proud of?
- How do we value non-economic goods?
Another view
Economic growth is often a prerequisite for funding health and education.
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