Believe Quote by Arnold Kling
“I have come to believe that politicians are in the business of 'marketing' their product to the public, by exaggerating threats and over-selling government solutions.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Economic Perspectives on Politics, 2018
Politicians treat public policy like a product, using fear and exaggerated solutions to sell their agenda, undermining genuine governance.
In simple terms: Politicians market fear to sell policies.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate political claims and demand evidence.
Themes
politics
media manipulation
public trust
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analysis
advice
When to use this quote
- elections
- public debates
- media consumption
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
propaganda
policy marketing
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens discern genuine policy from fear‑based marketing?
- What role should media play in exposing political exaggeration?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on skepticism can lead to cynicism and disengagement.
![“I call this the Fundamental Problem of Political Economy. How do we limit the power that idiots have over us? ... [Milton] Friedmans insight is that a market limits the power that others have over us; conversely, limiting the power that others have over us allows us to have markets. Friedman…” quote by Arnold Kling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/100/arnold-kling-32482_better-job_i-call-this-the-fundamental-problem-of-p_1424862.jpg)
