It's all very well to run around saying regulation is bad…
““It's all very well to run around saying regulation is bad, get the government off our backs, etc. Of course our lives are regulated. When you come to a stop sign, you stop; if you want to go fishing, you get a license; if you want to shoot ducks, you can shoot only three ducks. The alternative is dead bodies at the intersection, no fish, and no ducks. OK? ( Getting Control of the Frontier , Gainsville Sun, March 22, 1995)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Regulation is inevitable; rejecting it entirely leads to chaos and loss.
In simple terms: Rules are necessary for safety and order.
Key Takeaway
Accept reasonable rules while seeking smarter alternatives.
Themes
regulation
freedom
responsibility
Mood
critical
pragmatic
Type
opinion
political
When to use this quote
- driving
- fishing
- hunting
- urban planning
Key Concepts
social contract
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What regulations improve your life?
- How can you influence policy constructively?
A Different Perspective
Over‑regulation can stifle innovation.