Inspirational Quotes by Stuart Chase (American Economist)

Harvey Stuart Chase (1888–1985) was an American economist, social theorist, and writer known for advocating consumer protection and economic reform. Influenced by Thorstein Veblen and Fabian socialism, he criticized corporate advertising and wasteful economic practices.

Born in Somersworth, New Hampshire, Chase studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before graduating from Harvard University (1910.) Initially a public accountant, he later joined the Federal Trade Commission, investigating corruption in industries like meatpacking. His early works, The Tragedy of Waste (1925) and Your Money’s Worth (1927,) criticized deceptive advertising and promoted consumer literacy. In 1929, he co-founded Consumers’ Research, a pioneering consumer advocacy organization.

His book A New Deal (1932) became closely associated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic policies, though its direct influence on Roosevelt’s phrase is unclear. Chase continued writing extensively, producing The Road We Are Traveling (1942,) analyzing global economic trends, and The Proper Study of Mankind (1948,) examining human behavior and social organization.

After the war, Chase advanced social science education, introducing The Proper Study of Mankind (1948) to several college campuses. He also criticized the Soviet Union under Stalin, stating that its citizens, trade unions, and farmers “had no power” despite Communist claims.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Stuart Chase