This final note: It is a fact, universally acknowledged, that if you combine Jane Austen and economics, I can’t resist it.

We don’t know exactly what was going on at Citibank over the holidays, but we’re delighted that their strategist Steven Englander decided to explain monetary and fiscal policy using Austen quotes.

In his argument for Fed transparency:

“I don’t approve of surprises. The pleasure is never enhanced and the inconvenience is considerable.” 

To justify quantitative easing:

“A large income is the best recipe for happiness.”

And for entitlement reform:

“People always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them.”

Those are from “Emma”, and “Pride and Prejudice.” (H/T Business Insider, for finding the note.)