The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists.

Summary

This quote suggests that in times of economic mismanagement, two commonly used solutions are inflation and war. While these approaches may temporarily boost the economy and provide short-lived prosperity, they ultimately lead to long-term ruin. The quote also points out that these strategies are often exploited by opportunistic politicians and economically-driven individuals. It highlights the dangers and pitfalls of seeking quick fixes for complex economic problems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustainable long-term solutions instead.