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The proposal is frequently made that the government ought…

“The proposal is frequently made that the government ought to assume the risks that are "too great for private industry." This means that bureaucrats should be permitted to take risks with the tax payer's money that no one is willing to take with his own.” quote by Henry Hazlitt
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“The proposal is frequently made that the government ought to assume the risks that are "too great for private industry." This means that bureaucrats should be permitted to take risks with the tax payer's money that no one is willing to take with his own.”

Henry Hazlitt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Government should not be a blanket insurer of high‑risk ventures; private capital must bear its own risks.

In simple terms: Governments shouldn't take all risks for private firms.

Key Takeaway

Limit government risk‑taking.

Themes

risk government private sector economics

Mood

cautious critical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • business planning
  • public budgeting
  • regulatory reform

Key Concepts

moral hazard public policy financial responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who should bear high‑risk costs?
  • How does this affect market discipline?
A Different Perspective

Risk transfer can stifle innovation and accountability.

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