Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
A free-enterprise economy depends only on markets, and according to the most advanced mathematical macroeconomic theory, markets depend only on moods: specifically, the mood of the men in the pinstripes, also known as the Boys on the Street. When the Boys are in a good mood, the market thrives; when they get scared or sullen, it is time for each one of us to look into the retail apple business.
Summary
This quote presents a satirical interpretation of how a free-enterprise economy operates. It suggests that the economy relies solely on markets, which in turn are influenced by the moods of influential figures in the financial world, symbolized here as the "Boys on the Street." It humorously implies that their mood swings determine the overall health of the market. Furthermore, it cynically implies that ordinary individuals should be prepared to switch to alternative, more stable businesses when these market actors become fearful or pessimistic.