The more things a government undertakes to do, the fewer…
“The more things a government undertakes to do, the fewer things it can do completely. When the government tries to do everything it must do everything badly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When a government expands its responsibilities, its effectiveness declines, leading to poor execution of all tasks.
In simple terms: Too many tasks dilute effectiveness.
Focus on core duties.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public administration
- policy design
- regulatory reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can governments prioritize essential services?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability?
Complex problems may still need coordinated action.