When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?
John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) English economist
(Attributed)
Reply to a criticism of having changed his position on monetary policy. Quoted in Paul Samuelson, "The Keynes Centenary" The Economist, Vol. 287 (1983), but possibly apocryphal (see here).
Variants:
- "When events change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
- "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?"
- "When someone persuades me that I am wrong, I change my mind. What do you do?"
I trust you saw the result Garson O’Toole obtained when he looked into this: http://bit.ly/2mSzcRA.
Thanks, Hugh — I’ve made a note of that. Also, apologies for the delay in responding. I’m having “reply” problems here on the blog.