A classical doctrine claimed supply creates its own demand, so overproduction can't happen

Jean-Baptiste Say argued in 1803 that producing goods automatically generates the income needed to buy other goods, so general overproduction shouldn't be possible. Keynes later attacked the idea head-on, arguing recessions happen precisely because demand can collapse independently of supply — a debate that still runs through macroeconomics.

— Jean-Baptiste Say, Traité d'économie politique — 1803

One credited idea per card. No filler. Swipe the rest in Savvy.

Keep swiping — it's free Works right in your browser. No app store needed.

More Economics

All Economics cards →
More from Jean-Baptiste Say →

Five ideas worth knowing, every week

The week's best cards and a puzzle, credited as always. Free, unsubscribe any time.