More die in the United States of too much food than of too little.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, The Affluent Society
We all agree that pessimism is a mark of superior intellect.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, London Observer, Apr. 3 1977
Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists.
There are few ironclad rules of diplomacy but to one there is no exception. When an official reports that talks were useful, it can safely be concluded that nothing was accomplished.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, "The American Ambassador," Foreign Service Journal, June 1969
All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.
Clearly the most unfortunate people are those who must do the same thing over and over again, every minute, or perhaps twenty to the minute. They deserve the shortest hours and the highest pay.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, Made to Last
In the affluent society, no sharp distinction can be made between luxuries and necessaries.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, The Affluent Society
Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes it safer not to reflect on his achievements; Jove is known to strike such people down.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH, The Age of Uncertainty
The happiest time of anyone's life is just after the first divorce.
