Milton Friedman vs John Maynard Keynes on the 12 Axes
Milton Friedman and John Maynard Keynes are the two economists most closely tied to the debate between market freedom and government management. Friedman leans Free on Markets and Self-reliant on Welfare, while Keynes leans Planned and Shared on both.
- Markets
Milton Friedman leans Free (+75), John Maynard Keynes leans Planned (-35): 110 points apart.
- Trade
Milton Friedman leans Global (-90), John Maynard Keynes leans centre (+5): 95 points apart.
- Ownership
Milton Friedman leans Private (+70), John Maynard Keynes leans Public (-15): 85 points apart.
- Welfare
Milton Friedman leans Self-reliant (+50), John Maynard Keynes leans Shared (-35): 85 points apart.
- Authority
Both lean Democratic: -35 and -35.
- Morality
Both lean Progressive: -30 and -30.
- Religion
Both lean Secular: -20 and -25.
- Technology
Both lean Embrace: -35 and -20.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Milton Friedman | John Maynard Keynes | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +70 | -15 | 85 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | +75 | -35 | 110 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +50 | -35 | 85 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -35 | -35 | 0 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | -55 | -20 | 35 |
| StructureLocal to Central | -30 | +25 | 55 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | -30 | -30 | 0 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -20 | -25 | 5 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -35 | -20 | 15 |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | -20 | No record | - |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -90 | +5 | 95 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | 0 | -50 | 50 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Milton Friedman or John Maynard Keynes?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
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How similar are Milton Friedman and John Maynard Keynes?
On the 11 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 69% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Markets, Trade, Ownership, Welfare.
Who is more economically left-wing, Milton Friedman or John Maynard Keynes?
John Maynard Keynes sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 93 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Milton Friedman or John Maynard Keynes?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Milton Friedman leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 30 points on average.
