Economic privation proceeds by easy stages, and so long as men suffer it patiently the outside world cares little

Economic privation proceeds by easy stages, and so long as men suffer it patiently the outside world cares little

John Maynard Keynes was a renowned economist whose theories and ideas have had a profound impact on the field of economics. One of his most famous quotes, "Economic privation proceeds by easy stages, and so long as men suffer it patiently the outside world cares little," speaks to the idea that economic hardship often goes unnoticed or unaddressed until it reaches a critical point.

Keynes believed that economic privation, or poverty, does not happen suddenly or all at once. Instead, it progresses slowly over time, with individuals and communities experiencing increasing levels of hardship as time goes on. However, he also recognized that people have a tendency to endure economic suffering without complaint, which can lead to a lack of attention or action from those outside of the affected area.

This quote highlights the importance of addressing economic inequality and poverty before it reaches a crisis point. Keynes believed that it was the responsibility of governments and policymakers to intervene and provide support to those in need, rather than waiting for the situation to become dire.