Courtesy Quote by Cass Sunstein
“Most problems are best solved privately, not through government. There's a problem of discourtesy in the world, which is best handled through social norms, which are indispensable. But you wouldn't want the government to be mandating courtesy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Social Norms and the Law, 2010
Private problem solving respects social norms; government should not enforce courtesy.
In simple terms: Solve problems privately, not via law.
Key Takeaway
Favor social norms over mandates.
Themes
ethics
government
social norms
privacy
Mood
analytical
balanced
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace etiquette
- online interactions
- community standards
- public policy
Key Concepts
law
political theory
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should government intervene in behavior?
- How can norms be reinforced without law?
A Different Perspective
Norms can be vague and unevenly applied.
