Caltech was a meat grinder like I could never have imagined.

About Vernon L. Smith

Vernon Lomax Smithis an American economist who is currently a professor of economics and law at Chapman University. He was formerly the McLellan/Regent’s Professor of Economics at the University of Arizona, a professor of economics and law at George Mason University, and a board member of the Mercatus Center.

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More quotes from Vernon L. Smith

Yes, long hours and a hard life for my parents, but for a six to seven year old every new day dawned with fresh excitement when you have not a care in the world, and so much to learn and witness.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

I can still memory – taste the fresh buttermilk pancakes and hot buttermilk biscuits – both made with lard! – that were cooked on the top, or in the oven, of that ancient iron stove.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

In the 9th grade I began my first wage work for the West Side Drug store delivering prescriptions and sundries on my bicycle to customers who called in orders.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

After my stellar first grade academic achievements, I continued to perform well in the city primary schools – except for penmanship, which was not my forte.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

I still have my original social security card signed when I was 13.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

I gradually became persuaded that the subjects, without intending to, had revealed to me a basic truth about markets that was foreign to the literature of economics.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

In 1941 I finished at Allison Intermediate School (grades 7-9), and started at North High School, commuting by bicycle about 5 miles from home to school.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

Caltech was a meat grinder like I could never have imagined.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist

After graduating in engineering I went to the University of Kansas to get an MA in economics as a vehicle for allowing me to decide if I wanted to continue in economics.

Vernon L. Smith

American economist