If the Government gets into business on any large scale…
“If the Government gets into business on any large scale, we soon find that the beneficiaries attempt to play a large part in the control. While in theory it is to serve the public, in practice it will be very largely serving private interests. It comes to be regarded as a species of government favor and those who are the most adroit get the larger part of it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Large-scale government involvement often leads to private interests dominating, undermining the public-serving intent.
In simple terms: Government big business benefits private interests.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize government programs for private capture.
Themes
government
economics
public policy
corruption
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic observation
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- public oversight
- citizen activism
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
regulation
public interest
privatization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can transparency be ensured?
- What safeguards prevent private capture?
A Different Perspective
Not all government actions are inherently corrupt.