Robert Fogel Quotes

Powerful Robert Fogel for Daily Growth

About Robert Fogel

Robert William Fogel, born on November 15, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, was an influential American economist and historian who won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1993 for his work on the impact of technology on economic growth, particularly in the field of transportation. Fogel's academic journey began at Cornell University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1947. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University, which he completed in 1952. Fogel spent the majority of his career at the University of Chicago, where he made significant contributions to the fields of economics and history. One of Fogel's most notable works is "Time on the Cross: The Economics of American Negro Slavery" (1974), co-authored with Stanley L. Engerman. This controversial book challenged conventional views on the economic efficiency of slavery, arguing that it was less profitable than often assumed. Another significant work by Fogel is "The Fourth Great Awakening and the Future of Egalitarianism" (2000), which explores the role of egalitarian movements in American history and predicts a new wave of social and economic equality in the 21st century. Fogel's research on the cliometrics approach, the application of statistical methods to historical data, revolutionized economic history. His work has had a profound impact on understanding the role of technology, institutions, and societal changes in shaping economic systems. Robert Fogel passed away on March 14, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence academia and policy-making today. His works, characterized by rigorous analysis and innovative methodology, remain essential reading for scholars of economics, history, and social sciences.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The past is not dead; it's not even past."

This quote by Robert Fogel suggests that history, or "the past," continues to have a profound impact on our present-day society and the future we are creating. It implies that historical events, traditions, and lessons from the past are still relevant today, shaping our cultural, political, and social dynamics. The quote also cautions us not to view the past as something static or distant, but rather as an ongoing process with consequences that persist into the present and future. In essence, it encourages us to learn from history in order to better understand the world we live in today and shape a more informed tomorrow.

"Economic history is a way of thinking about the present and anticipating the future."

Robert Fogel's quote "Economic history is a way of thinking about the present and anticipating the future" emphasizes the importance of understanding historical economic patterns and trends to make informed decisions in the present, and to predict future possibilities. In essence, studying economic history allows us to learn from past successes and failures, identify recurring patterns, and develop strategies to navigate current and emerging economic landscapes. By leveraging this knowledge, we can better prepare for what lies ahead and create more resilient economies that foster growth and prosperity.

"The economy can be thought of as a machine that transforms inputs into outputs, but unlike an industrial machine, the engine of growth in an economic system is not located in any one place."

This quote by Robert Fogel emphasizes that an economy functions like a machine, converting resources (inputs) into goods and services (outputs). However, unlike traditional machines that are physically contained, the driving force behind economic growth, often referred to as "engine of growth," is not localized or confined to one specific location. Instead, economic growth is influenced by various factors distributed across different regions, sectors, and even nations, making it a dynamic and complex system.

"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme."

Robert Fogel's quote, "History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme," suggests that while events in history may not reoccur exactly as they did before, there are often patterns, similarities, or parallels that can be observed when comparing past events with current ones. This means we should learn from the past to anticipate and navigate present-day challenges more effectively. Essentially, Fogel encourages us to recognize the recurring themes in history and apply their lessons to our contemporary situations.

"Innovation is the main driving force behind long-run economic growth and improvement in living standards."

This quote by Robert Fogel emphasizes that innovation, or new ideas, methods, or products, is the primary engine fueling sustainable economic expansion and enhancements in people's lives over time. Innovation, by driving efficiency, productivity, and creativity, leads to economic progress and a higher standard of living.

The first, and overarching, count in the new indictment is that slavery permitted one group of people to exercise unrestrained personal domination over another group of people.

- Robert Fogel

New, Over, Domination, Indictment

My education in the public schools of New York City between 1932 and 1944 was an excellent preparation for a life in science. Because of the Depression, these schools were able to attract a remarkably talented and dedicated collection of teachers who encouraged their students to strive for the highest levels of accomplishment.

- Robert Fogel

Education, City, Attract, Remarkably

No individual has done more to help me pursue a career in science than my wife of forty-five years. I met Enid Cassandra Morgan during the election campaign of 1948 when she was a Sunday school teacher, a leader of the youth organizations of St. Phillips Episcopal Church, and the head of Harlem Youth for the election of Henry Wallace.

- Robert Fogel

Leader, Church, Career, Morgan

As we get rich, the basics of life - food, clothing and shelter - become a very small part of total expenditure. And people have enough money to purchase things that enhance them spiritually, and I mean the word 'spiritual' not necessarily in a religious sense but in the sense that it adds to your feeling of well-being.

- Robert Fogel

Small, Very, Expenditure, Enough Money

In most, if not quite all, parts of the world, the size, shape and longevity of the human body have changed more substantially, and much more rapidly, during the past three centuries than over many previous millennia.

- Robert Fogel

Body, Three, Millennia, Longevity

People want more and more leisure time, which means the freedom to do what they want to do, not what they have to do, and as we get richer and richer, more and more people will be able to afford that.

- Robert Fogel

Which, Means, More People, Richer

One of the most startling events in my life was when my older son was about 16, and he blamed me for all the troubles of the world. So I, I felt like telling him, 'Oh no, I was just like you when I was your age; I wanted to change the world, too.'

- Robert Fogel

My Life, Telling, About, Blamed

Although they arrived in New York penniless, my parents scraped together enough savings to establish the first of several small businesses just after I was born.

- Robert Fogel

Small, New, Small Businesses, Establish

The rate of technological and human physiological change in the 20th century has been remarkable. Beyond that, a synergy between the improved technology and physiology is more than the simple addition of the two.

- Robert Fogel

More, Synergy, Been, 20th Century

Centuries ago it may have been difficult for pregnant women and their children to get proper nourishment, probably leading to smaller - and therefore shorter-lived - adults.

- Robert Fogel

Been, Centuries, Smaller, Pregnant

The president has very little effect on the economy. If you want to put blame or credit, the main person who influences the business cycle is the head of the Federal Reserve Bank.

- Robert Fogel

Business, Want, Very, Credit

Remember, what does 'retirement' mean? It doesn't mean that you're a couch potato. Leisure is not the same thing as rest. If you're bicycling five miles a day, that's leisure, but it certainly takes a lot of effort.

- Robert Fogel

Rest, Same Thing, Certainly, Leisure

I think the most important thing I have done in my life is to raise two boys.

- Robert Fogel

My Life, Think, I Think, Raise

In 1890, nearly everyone died on the job, and if they lived long enough not to die on the job, the average age of retirement was 85.

- Robert Fogel

Die, Average, Everyone, Retirement

I was born in New York City in 1926, four years after my parents and my brother migrated to the United States from the city of Odessa in Russia.

- Robert Fogel

City, New, United States, New York City

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