Top 7 Quotes & Sayings by David Landes

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an author David Landes.

Last updated on December 18, 2024.

David Saul Landes was a professor of economics and of history at Harvard University. He is the author of Bankers and Pashas, Revolution in Time, The Unbound Prometheus, The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, and Dynasties. Such works have received both praise for detailed retelling of economic history, as well as scorn on charges of Eurocentrism, a charge he openly embraced, arguing that an explanation for an economic miracle that happened originally only in Europe must of necessity be a Eurocentric analysis.

Author | April 29, 1924 - August 17, 2013

Source: Wikipedia

Scepticism and refusal of authority is at the heart of scientific endeavour. Scientific knowledge dictates economic possibilities

David Landes

In this world, the optimists have it, not because they are always right, but because they are positive. Even when they are wrong they are positive, and that is the way of achievement, correction, improvement, and success. Educated, eye-open optimism pays.

David Landes

If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference.

David Landes

Educated, eyes-open optimism pays; pessimism can only offer the empty consolation of being right.

David Landes

If the gains from trade in commodities are substantial, they are small compared to trade in ideas

David Landes

This world is divided roughly into three kinds of nations: those that spend lots of money to keep their weight down; those whose people eat to live; and those whose people don't know where their next meal is coming from.

David Landes

It is the process of evolution which identifies innovative benefits from any source and selects them on merit without prejudice

David Landes