„Conclusion: With this short recapitulation of Pareto’s theory of residues, we wanted to present their basic elements and give examples in how far they may help explain non-logical actions which cannot be explained by sophisticated information cost arguments. It may be repeated that Pareto argues in an evolutionary, Darwinian way. Behind the residues are sentiments and drives which were functional in the development of the human species and which have strong corollaries in animal behavior. From a logical point of view, many of these residues are non-functional today but they help understand many occurrences in the real world which are beyond the capabilities of rational man or rational choice explanations.

Pareto focused exclusively on the non-logical part of human action in his sociology and does not apply his economic theory beyond economic subjects in the narrow sense. In so far public choice is a genuine complement. Pareto develops what may be called an irrational choice theory. He shares many theoretical points of view with Schumpeter. Schumpeter presents a very abstract alternative theory of political economy in which irrational factors play an important role. Pareto’s theory of residues may function at least as a microfoundation of his political economy. It should be borne in mind that the theory of residues was a tentative proposal with respect to the full set of relevant residues. Further investigations may change, enlarge or reduce Pareto’s classification.“ (H. Peukert)