Happens Quote by Benjamin Wittes
“When somebody promises to do something, you have to think about whether that's something that you would be willing to see happen because the powers are simply too vast.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Law Review, 2021
When evaluating promises, consider whether you would accept the outcome, given the immense power involved.
In simple terms: Assess promises by imagining if you’d want them to happen.
Key Takeaway
Scrutinize large‑scale commitments carefully.
Themes
ethics
power dynamics
decision making
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- corporate agreements
- international treaties
Key Concepts
political theory
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can limit power abuse?
- How do you verify a promise’s feasibility?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused, making promises risky.
