Administration Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“There is an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly public address, 19th century
Government is a lasting institution, while administration is temporary and changeable; loyalty can differ between them.
In simple terms: Government endures, administration changes; loyalty can vary.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the distinction between enduring principles and shifting practices.
Themes
politics
leadership
institutional theory
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public service
- organizational change
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
public administration
political philosophy
loyalty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance support for a nation with critique of its policies?
- When is it appropriate to oppose administrative actions?
A Different Perspective
Loyalty to a government may conflict with criticism of its administration.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
