One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and…
“One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions, rather than their results. We all know a famous road that is paved with good intentions. The people who go around talking about their 'soft heart,'-I admire them for the softness of their heart, but very often it extends to their head as well.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Evaluating policies by outcomes rather than intentions avoids the mistake of assuming good intentions guarantee good results.
In simple terms: Judge policies by results, not intentions.
Key Takeaway
Focus on measurable outcomes.
Themes
policy evaluation
intentions vs results
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government programs
- social reforms
- business strategies
Key Concepts
public choice theory
cost‑benefit analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What metrics best reveal a policy’s true impact?
- How can we balance intent with accountability?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can mask ineffective or harmful policies.