The paradox of thrift was stated in 1892 by John M. Robertson in his The Fallacy of Saving, in earlier forms by mercantilist economists since the 16th century, and similar sentiments date to antiquity.
Säästlikkuse paradoksi formuleeris 1892 John M. Robertson raamatus "The Fallacy of Savings", varasemates vormingutes merkantilistlike majandusteadlaste poolt alates 16. sajandist ja sarnased teesid olid olemas ka antiikmaailmas.