The principle of laissez-faire may be safely trusted to in…
“The principle of laissez-faire may be safely trusted to in some things but in many more it is wholly inapplicable; and to appeal to it on all occasions savors more of the policy of a parrot than of a statesman or a philosopher.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The idea that government should never intervene works only in limited cases; overusing it makes policy sound hollow and unprincipled.
In simple terms: Laissez‑faire works rarely; overuse makes policy empty.
Key Takeaway
Apply intervention selectively, not universally.
Themes
government
policy
intervention
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- regulatory reform
- social welfare programs
- economic planning
- public health initiatives
Key Concepts
libertarianism
public good
policy limits
Questions to Reflect On
- When is non‑intervention harmful?
- How to balance freedom and responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring context can cause harm and ignore real needs.