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It might be crazy to expect a high government official to…

“It might be crazy to expect a high government official to speak the truth. It might be crazy to believe that government policy will be something more than the handmaiden of the most powerful interests. It might be crazy to argue that we should preserve a tradition that has been part of our…” quote by Lawrence Lessig
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“It might be crazy to expect a high government official to speak the truth. It might be crazy to believe that government policy will be something more than the handmaiden of the most powerful interests. It might be crazy to argue that we should preserve a tradition that has been part of our tradition for most of our history -- free culture. If this is crazy, then let there be more crazies. Soon.”

Lawrence Lessig

About This Quote

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

It argues that expecting truth from officials and policies is unrealistic, urging embrace of radical ideas and free culture despite institutional constraints.

In simple terms: Expecting truth from power is unrealistic; embrace radical ideas.

Key Takeaway

Challenge norms and protect free culture.

Themes

politics truth free culture power radicalism

Mood

skeptical inspirational

Type

political activist

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • academic debate
  • creative commons advocacy

Key Concepts

institutional critique media literacy activism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can radicalism improve policy?
  • What are limits of free culture?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with practical governance.

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