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Increasingly in recent times we have come first to…

“Increasingly in recent times we have come first to identify the remedy that is most agreeable, most convenient, most in accord with major pecuniary or political interest, the one that reflects our available faculty for action; then we move from the remedy so available or desired back to a cause to…” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
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“Increasingly in recent times we have come first to identify the remedy that is most agreeable, most convenient, most in accord with major pecuniary or political interest, the one that reflects our available faculty for action; then we move from the remedy so available or desired back to a cause to which that remedy is relevant.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

About This Quote

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

We first choose convenient solutions, then retroactively justify them by linking to causes.

In simple terms: Convenient fixes are chosen before understanding problems.

Key Takeaway

Question the convenience of solutions before accepting them.

Themes

economics policy causality decisionmaking

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • government planning
  • business strategy
  • public health initiatives

Key Concepts

systemic bias policy inertia rationalization

Questions to Reflect On

  • What underlying causes are overlooked by quick fixes?
  • How can we prioritize root‑cause analysis?
A Different Perspective

Convenient choices may ignore deeper systemic issues.

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