Quote by Terry Pratchett
But, in truth, it had not exactly been gold, or even the promise of gold, but more like the fantasy of gold, the fairy dream that the gold is there, at the end of the rainbow, and will continue to be there forever - provided, naturally, that you don't go and look. This is known as finance.
Summary
This quote satirically suggests that finance often revolves around aspirations rather than concrete reality. It implies that the allure of financial success is more of an illusion or mythical concept, similar to the fantasy of finding gold at the end of a rainbow. The quote highlights the tendency to avoid verifying the actual existence of wealth and instead holds onto the imagination, as long as one refrains from investigating the truth. Overall, it comments on how financial systems and beliefs can be built on ideals and hopes rather than solid foundations.