Best things Quote by Donald Shoup
“When it comes to public policy, doing the right thing is more important than doing it for the right reason. The best way to get people to do what's right collectively is to make it the best thing for them to do individually. You have to give individuals a personal incentive to do what's right for society.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The High Cost of Free Parking, Donald Shoup, 2006
Effective public policy aligns personal incentives with societal benefits, making the right action also the most rewarding individually.
In simple terms: Make personal gain match societal good.
Key Takeaway
Design policies that reward individuals for societal benefit.
Themes
public policy
incentives
collective action
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
policy analysis
ethical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- environmental regulation
- tax policy
- corporate social responsibility
Key Concepts
game theory
behavioral economics
public good
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure incentives are perceived as fair?
- What personal benefits align with societal goals?
A Different Perspective
People may resist if incentives seem coercive or unfair.
