Government Quote by Calvin Coolidge
““Under the attempt to perform the impossible there sets in a general disintegration. When legislation fails, those who look upon it as a sovereign remedy simply cry out for more legislation. A sound and wise statesmanship which recognizes and attempts to abide by its limitations will undoubtedly find itself displaced by that type of public official who promises much, talks much, legislates much, expends much, but accomplishes little. The deliberate, sound judgement of the country is likely to find it has been superseded by a popular whim.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Nation, United States, 1924
Attempting impossible feats leads to breakdown; over‑legislation fails, while modest, wise governance is sidelined by flashy, ineffective officials.
In simple terms: Too much ambition and law cause chaos; modest leadership is ignored for popular promises.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize realistic goals and modest governance.
Themes
governance
legislation
leadership
public expectation
limitations
populism
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government reform
- policy making
- public administration
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
political theory
public policy
institutional limits
populist rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance necessary regulation with practical limits?
- What safeguards protect modest governance from populist excess?
A Different Perspective
Over‑legislation can stifle effective action and ignore practical constraints.
![“[I]f the policy of the Government, upon vital questions affecting, the whole people is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme Court, the instant they are made, in ordinary litigation between parties in personal actions, the people will have ceased, to be their own rulers, having, to…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b03/abraham-lincoln-88_action_i-f-the-policy-of-the-government-upon-vi_426986.jpg)
