I had a good mind to discontinue permanently the supply of…
“I had a good mind to discontinue permanently the supply of grain to the city, reliance on which had discouraged Italian agriculture, but refrained because some politician would be bound one day to revive the dole as a means of ingratiating himself with the people.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He considered cutting grain aid that discouraged farming, but feared politicians would later use it for populist gain.
In simple terms: He stopped grain aid to avoid political manipulation.
Key Takeaway
Beware of policies that become political tools.
Themes
politics
agriculture
public policy
populism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- agricultural reform
- social welfare programs
- political campaigning
Key Concepts
Economic incentives
political patronage
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance long‑term economic health with short‑term political pressures?
- What safeguards prevent aid from becoming a political lever?
A Different Perspective
Such decisions can create dependency or be exploited for short‑term popularity.