Destruction Quotes
Great nations are never impoverished by private, though they sometimes are by public prodigality and misconduct.
"Great nations are never impoverished by private, though they sometimes are by public prodigality and misconduct."— Adam Smith
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Meaning of this quote
The passage contrasts private extravagance with the scale of damage possible through public waste and misgovernment.
Key takeaway:
Examine the size and consequences of institutional spending decisions.
Origin of the quote
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
Who actually said this?
VerifiedWording located in the primary text; capitalization and punctuation may vary.
Source:
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
