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Divergence Quotes

Divergence quotes here mostly come from economic and policy commentary — differing views on the output gap, fiscal stimulus versus financial regulation, and the ambition to build stronger consensus within the economics profession. A more philosophical line closes the theme, describing the inevitable divergence between the world as it actually is and how people perceive it. Together they explore disagreement as both a technical and human condition.

These divergence quotes examine disagreement across economics, policy, and perception. For more on ambition and progress, see our Ambition collection.

There will always be divergence of views on the output gap, as it is unobservable in a rigorous direct sense. There are only estimates. How can there be a strong consensus on that?

Quotes by Urjit Patel

The divergence of songs in the new population away from those in the progenitor population would only be prevented if these processes were balanced by repeated immigration and subsequent breeding: song flow.

Quotes by Peter R. Grant

I don't believe we're seeing the beginning of a divergence. We have seen a partial divergence on this case.

Quotes by Mario Monti

There is a big divergence between views on a variety of policy issues from fiscal stimulus to financial regulation. It's my hope and my ambition for the economics profession that as we advance our knowledge, that those discussions will narrow...

Quotes by Lars Peter Hansen

Always Quotes

There is an inevitable divergence between the world as it is and the world as men perceive it.

Quotes by J. William Fulbright

Debate and divergence of views can only enrich our history and culture.

Quotes by Ibrahim Babangida

Splitting and gradual divergence of genera is exemplified very well and in a large variety of organisms.

Quotes by George Gaylord Simpson

If there are differences of views or divergence of ideas, they can be resolved through discussion and dialogue.

Quotes by Azim Premji

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of divergence do these quotes mostly discuss?
Most of the quotes focus on divergence in economic and policy views, particularly around the output gap, fiscal stimulus, and financial regulation. They note that because concepts like the output gap aren't directly observable, only estimated, disagreement among experts is almost inevitable. This gives the collection a grounded, technical starting point.
Is there a more philosophical quote about divergence?
Yes, one quote describes an inevitable divergence between the world as it actually is and how people perceive it, moving beyond economics into general human perception. It broadens the theme from technical disagreement to a more universal observation about reality versus belief. For more on ambition and progress, see our Ambition collection.
What does the quote about consensus in economics discuss?
It expresses hope that the economics profession can build stronger consensus over time despite current divergence on issues like fiscal stimulus versus financial regulation. The quote treats disagreement as a temporary state that better knowledge might eventually narrow. It's one of the more optimistic lines in the collection.
How does the quote about a 'partial divergence' fit in?
It clarifies that rather than seeing a complete divergence in a particular case, only a partial one has emerged so far. This more cautious, qualified language reflects how carefully economists and analysts often frame disagreement. It adds nuance to the collection's broader discussion of differing views.
Where can I find more quotes about belief and perception?
Our Believe collection explores related ideas about conviction and how people interpret the world. You might also enjoy Always for more on consistency amid disagreement. Both pair well with the divergence quotes found here.

Several lines here focus on how views diverge even among experts trying to reach consensus. Explore more in our Always and Believe pages.