If a thing can't go on forever, it will eventually stop. Herbert Stein More Quotes by Herbert Stein More Quotes From Herbert Stein If something cannot go on for ever, it will stop Herbert Stein investing economics goes-on Things that can't go on forever... don't. Herbert Stein goes-on forever Whatever may be the distribution of uncertainty among economists, the public only gets to hear from those who have certain opinions. Herbert Stein certain opinion may If you asked a sample of Americans "What is the temperature of Mars?" about 8% would say they don't know. Herbert Stein temperature mars sample Economists are very good at saying that something cannot go on forever, but not so good at saying when it will stop. Herbert Stein very-good goes-on forever For almost 50 years polls have shown that a large majority of the public believe that the budget should be balanced, and for all that time they have elected office seekers who would not balance it. The public cares about deficits, but doesn't care much. Herbert Stein office believe years Psychiatrist to patient: Maybe you don't have a complex. Maybe you are inferior. Herbert Stein psychiatrist modern-life patient If something is inevitable, it will happen Herbert Stein inevitable ifs happens Consumer: A person who is capable of choosing a president but incapable of choosing a bicycle without help from a government agency. Herbert Stein agency government decision [The Democrats] will say that the Reagan administrtion has given benefits to the rich at the expense of the poor - a term that they define broadly to include middle-income people, women, minorities, the aged, the young, farmers, steelworkers, and others. Herbert Stein income minorities people Trends that can't continue, won't. Herbert Stein trends