Rapid growth in output of real goods and services and consequent improvement in material standards of living are the pre-eminent goals of economic policy in Latin America. Evidence in support of this conclusion is so commonplace that it need scarcely be cited. It is, however, interesting and informative to look at the reasons why Latin America so ardently desires growth, at her prospects for actual attainment of continual and substantial increases in real output per capital, and at some of the problems which she may encounter along the way. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize and comment upon some of what appear to be the chief motivations to economic development and to juxtapose some of the advantages and obstacles which Latin America is likely to face in her drive for economic growth.