As an economist, I am frequently asked about the economics of Marx. I generally nod approvingly, which usually pleases or perplexes the inquirer. It is only after some discussion does it become apparent that I am talking about
Groucho Marx was an American original. Regarding economics, Irving Berlin once quipped: “If Marx had been Groucho instead of Karl, the world would be in less of a snarl.”
In reality, Groucho’s political leaning was rather pronounced to the left. But his observations and quips about the world and political scene were spot on. There are probably few quotes better than the following to describe out current political scene, especially its practitioners:
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made
There’s one way to find out if a man is honest – ask him. If he says, “Yes,” you know he is a crook.
Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them… well, I have others.
Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?
