All "public interest' legislation (and any distribution of…
“All "public interest' legislation (and any distribution of money taken by force from some men for the unearned benefit of others) comes down ultimately to the grant of an undefined undefinable, non-objective, arbitrary power to some government officials. The worst aspect of it is not that such a power can be used dishonestly, but that it cannot be used honestly. The wisest man in the world, with the purest integrity, cannot find a criterion for the just, equitable, rational application of an unjust, inequitable, irrational principle.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She argues that public interest laws grant arbitrary power to officials, which cannot be applied justly, exposing a paradox in governance.
In simple terms: Government power given by law is arbitrary and cannot be fair.
Key Takeaway
Question the fairness of broad, undefined governmental authority.
Themes
political philosophy
law
justice
power
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
- public administration
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
arbitrariness
moral relativism
government overreach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws be designed to avoid arbitrary power?
- What criteria ensure equitable application of authority?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑intentioned laws can be misused or become ineffective.