“When economists insist that they too are scientists because they use mathematics,
they are no different from astrologists protesting that they are just as scientific as astronomers because they also use computers and complicated charts.”
“Most politicians cannot be theorists. First, because they are rarely thinkers;
second, because the frenetic lifestyle they impose on themselves leaves no time for big ideas.
But most of all because to be a theorist you have to admit the possibility of being wrong – the provisionality of knowledge –
and you know you cannot spin your way out of a theoretical problem.”
they are no different from astrologists protesting that they are just as scientific as astronomers because they also use computers and complicated charts.”
“Most politicians cannot be theorists. First, because they are rarely thinkers;
second, because the frenetic lifestyle they impose on themselves leaves no time for big ideas.
But most of all because to be a theorist you have to admit the possibility of being wrong – the provisionality of knowledge –
and you know you cannot spin your way out of a theoretical problem.”
