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A country survives its legislation. That truth should not…

“A country survives its legislation. That truth should not comfort the conservative nor depress the radical. For it means that public policy can enlarge its scope and increase its audacity, can try big experiments without trembling too much over the result. This nation could enter upon the most…” quote by Walter Lippmann
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“A country survives its legislation. That truth should not comfort the conservative nor depress the radical. For it means that public policy can enlarge its scope and increase its audacity, can try big experiments without trembling too much over the result. This nation could enter upon the most radical experiments and could afford to fail in them.”

Walter Lippmann

About This Quote

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

A nation can afford bold policy experiments because its laws are flexible, allowing both conservatives and radicals to act without fear of failure.

In simple terms: Flexible laws enable daring public policies.

Key Takeaway

Embrace experimental governance.

Themes

politics policy risk innovation government

Mood

cautious optimistic

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • education reform
  • healthcare innovation
  • environmental regulation

Key Concepts

public policy experimentation audacity failure tolerance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks are worth taking in policy?
  • How can societies balance daring reforms with stability?
A Different Perspective

Bold experiments may still face unintended consequences and public backlash.

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