Skip to content

We enter the government essentially in a hotel that is on…

“We enter the government essentially in a hotel that is on fire. We're throwing people from the windows into the pool to save their lives and this is the evaluation of the Olympic diving committee: Well, the splash was too big.” quote by Austan Goolsbee
Download Open image
“We enter the government essentially in a hotel that is on fire. We're throwing people from the windows into the pool to save their lives and this is the evaluation of the Olympic diving committee: Well, the splash was too big.”

Austan Goolsbee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Government crises are chaotic; solutions may be judged harshly despite saving lives.

In simple terms: Crisis response can be misjudged.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of bold actions.

Themes

government crisis policy evaluation

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

satirical commentary

When to use this quote

  • disaster response
  • public health
  • emergency planning

Key Concepts

public administration risk management ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance safety with effective crisis action?
  • When is a “big splash” acceptable?
A Different Perspective

Critics may focus on optics over outcomes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Austan Goolsbee

Explore all 69 Austan Goolsbee quotes

More Big quotes

Browse all 12,477 Big quotes