Interest Quote by Gifford Pinchot
“Where conflicting interests must be reconciled, the question shall always be answered from the standpoint of the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Question of Government”, 1918
Policy should prioritize the long-term welfare of the majority, balancing competing interests to achieve the greatest overall benefit over time.
In simple terms: Choose policies that benefit most people in the long run.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate impacts on the greatest number over time.
Themes
ethics
public policy
utilitarianism
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
philosophical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- urban planning
- environmental regulation
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
long-term planning
social welfare
collective good
Questions to Reflect On
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for future gains?
- How to measure “greatest good” accurately?
A Different Perspective
Short-term gains may conflict with long-term benefits, creating political tension.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
