Activity Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Nine-tenths of the activities of a modern Government are harmful; therefore the worse they are performed, the better.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, 1927
The quote sat that many government actions are harmful, and that the more poorly they are executed, the better they appear, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiency and moral decay.
In simple terms: Government actions are often harmful; poor execution can seem better.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge harmful bureaucratic practices.
Themes
government
bureaucracy
ethics
inefficiency
power
Mood
cynical
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- policy reform
- citizen activism
- academic study
Key Concepts
public policy
morality
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens hold governments accountable?
- What reforms could reduce bureaucratic harm?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the possibility of well-intentioned reforms and effective governance.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
