The wishes of the people, seldom founded in deep…
“The wishes of the people, seldom founded in deep disquisitions, or resulting from other reasonings than their present feelings, may not entirely accord with our true policy and interest. If they do not, to observe a proper line of conduct for promoting the one, and avoiding offence to the other, will be a work of great difficulty.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Public wishes often stem from immediate feelings, not deep reasoning, making policy alignment hard.
In simple terms: People's desires are emotional, not always rational.
Key Takeaway
Seek balanced, reasoned policies.
Themes
politics
public opinion
policy-making
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- legislation
- public campaigns
- community meetings
Key Concepts
democratic theory
rationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders reconcile popular sentiment with long‑term goals?
- What mechanisms ensure rational policy?
A Different Perspective
Emotions can dominate despite evidence.