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Most men think graft a sporadic evil, breaking out here…

“Most men think graft a sporadic evil, breaking out here and there, with no connection between outbreaks. I shared the same opinion, but very soon I discovered that the graft in the cities always leads to the graft in the State.” quote by Lincoln Steffens
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“Most men think graft a sporadic evil, breaking out here and there, with no connection between outbreaks. I shared the same opinion, but very soon I discovered that the graft in the cities always leads to the graft in the State.”

Lincoln Steffens

About This Quote

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

Corruption in local areas spreads to higher levels, showing systemic interconnectedness.

In simple terms: Local corruption leads to broader corruption.

Key Takeaway

Address corruption at all levels.

Themes

corruption systemic risk politics

Mood

critical hopeful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • government
  • business
  • community initiatives

Key Concepts

sociology public policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can grassroots reforms influence national integrity?
  • What mechanisms link local and state corruption?
A Different Perspective

Changing local practices alone may not stop larger corruption.

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