Perhaps even more than elsewhere current notions of what…
“Perhaps even more than elsewhere current notions of what is desirable and practicable are here still of a kind which may well produce the opposite of what they promise.”
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 sound desirable may unintentionally cause opposite outcomes.
In simple terms: Good intentions can backfire.
Key Takeaway
Check hidden consequences.
Themes
policy
unintended consequences
economics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government regulation
- business strategy
- public health
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
risk assessment
perverse incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie the policy?
- How can we test for opposite effects?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems can produce unpredictable results.