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The way you solve things is by making it politically…

“The way you solve things is by making it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing.” quote by Milton Friedman
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“The way you solve things is by making it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

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

Solutions become politically profitable for the wrong actors when they profit from making the right actions seem costly.

In simple terms: Politics can make good deeds costly for the wrong people.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden incentives in policy.

Themes

economics politics morality incentives policy corruption

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical economic

When to use this quote

  • legislative drafting
  • regulatory design
  • corporate lobbying
  • public debate

Key Concepts

public choice theory moral hazard political economy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies create perverse incentives?
  • How can we align profit with public good?
A Different Perspective

Complex incentives may be hard to detect and address.

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