The great thing about fiscal policy is that it has a direct impact and doesn't require you to bind the hands of future policymakers.

As I've often said, you can shop online and find whatever you're looking for, but bookstores are where you find what you weren't looking for.

For most Americans, economic growth is a spectator sport.

The real danger with debt is what happens if lots of people decide, or are forced, to pay it off at the same time.

Economists don't usually make good speculators, because they think too much.

If you're doing your job right, some substantial group of people [is] going to be mad at you.

Economics is not a morality play.

Outrageous fiscal mendacity is neither historically normal nor bipartisan. It’s a modern Republican thing.

The raw fact is that every successful example of economic development this past century ... has taken place via globalization.

Simple doesn't mean stupid. Thinking that it does, does.

If you want to understand opposition to climate action, follow the money.

We should try to create the society each of us would want if we didn't know in advance who we'd be.

The federal government is basically an insurance company with an army.

There are no atheists in foxholes and there are no libertarians in financial crises.

In our country, learned ignorance is on the rise.

Middle-class societies don't emerge automatically as an economy matures, they have to be CREATED through political action.

Debt is one person's liability, but another person's asset.

Rising inequality isn’t about who has the knowledge; it’s about who has the power.

I've never really done any interviews as myself.