Easy Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“The science of legislation is like that of medicine in one respect: that it is far more easy to point out what will do harm than what will do good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on the Art of Living, 1820
Legislation, like medicine, more easily identifies harmful effects than beneficial ones.
In simple terms: It’s easier to spot what hurts than what helps.
Focus on preventing harm.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- healthcare policy
- environmental regulation
- financial oversight
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers better identify beneficial outcomes?
- What tools help reveal hidden benefits?
Good intentions can be overlooked in favor of avoiding negatives.