QOTD 1/2/2020: Johan Norberg on Optimism

 

This quote is taken from an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on December 17.  Johan Norberg is a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute.

“…we’ve lived through a period of populist revolts and geopolitical tensions, and wherever societies have been open and markets free, scientists, innovators and businesses persisted and made greater progress than ever.

That’s the case for optimism. Tin-pot strongmen, looting politicians and punctilious bureaucrats make mischief with societies and economies.  But mankind creates faster than they can squander, and repairs more than they can destroy.”

So we should head into 2020 with a positive attitude and the conviction that we can handle whatever life throws at us.  Accompanied all the way by our Ricochet friends.

Published in Group Writing
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 10 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    So optimistic, it’s a quarter-day early.

    • #1
  2. RushBabe49 Thatcher
    RushBabe49
    @RushBabe49

    I had to do it while I was thinking about it.  Going back to work tomorrow, and the rest of the day may be a bit hectic.  Besides, as the orchestra conductor said, Early is On Time, On Time is Late, and Late is Unacceptable.

    • #2
  3. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    RushBabe49 (View Comment):

    I had to do it while I was thinking about it. Going back to work tomorrow, and the rest of the day may be a bit hectic. Besides, as the orchestra conductor said, Early is On Time, On Time is Late, and Late is Unacceptable.

    I definitely wasn’t complaining. You’re doing a fine job. 😉

    • #3
  4. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I’m with you Rush Babe!! Optimism is the way to go!

    • #4
  5. Vectorman Inactive
    Vectorman
    @Vectorman

    Arahant (View Comment):

    So optimistic, it’s a quarter-day early.

    It’s already January 2nd from India to the International Date Line.


    The Quote of the Day series is the easiest way to start a fun conversation on Ricochet. There are many open days on the January Signup Sheet, including 3 next week. We even include tips for finding great quotes, so choose your favorite quote and sign up today!

    • #5
  6. Samuel Block Support
    Samuel Block
    @SamuelBlock

    Well, I just saw it. And it’s been January 2 for a whole six minutes in my time zone. 

    Yay, optimizing optimism!

    • #6
  7. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Arahant (View Comment):

    So optimistic, it’s a quarter-day early.

    That’s what a Bloody Mary after brunch will do for ya!

    • #7
  8. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    I’m with you Rush Babe!! Optimism is the way to go!

    I’m so optimistic, I’m sure nothing good will come of it . . .

    • #8
  9. Ray Kujawa Coolidge
    Ray Kujawa
    @RayKujawa

    RushBabe49: But mankind creates faster than they can squander, and repairs more than they can destroy.”

    The destruction of course would be limited to what has been created by others. I see a parallel to Socialism and spending. Because  Socialism cannot create anything on its own, Socialist governments cannot spend money any faster than people can make it. Once those governments run out of money they can take, there’s nothing left to give back to the people. At least with a nominally free-market economy, the people always have the ability to feed themselves.

    • #9
  10. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Ray Kujawa (View Comment):
    Socialist governments cannot spend money any faster than people can make it.

    But they can spend it as fast as they can print it, like we are . . .

    • #10
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.