Refined policy ever has been the parent of confusion, and…
“Refined policy ever has been the parent of confusion, and ever will be so as long as the world endures. Plain good intention, which is as easily discovered at the first view as fraud is surely detected at last, is of no mean force in the government of mankind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Policies that are vague and well‑meaning cause confusion; clear intent alone cannot govern effectively.
In simple terms: Vague good intentions create confusion.
Key Takeaway
Clarity matters more than good intent.
Themes
politics
governance
policy
communication
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- public administration
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
public policy
intentionality
bureaucracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers ensure clarity?
- What safeguards prevent misinterpretation?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can be misinterpreted without precise language.