Pragmatic Quote by James A. Michener
““there were many ways to judge the acts of an institution, and the pragmatic way was not the worst, by any means.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Bridge at Andau, 1971
The author suggests pragmatic judgment of institutions can be acceptable, even if not ideal.
In simple terms: Practical assessment of institutions can be reasonable.
Key Takeaway
Balance idealism with practicality.
Themes
ethics
pragmatism
institutional critique
Mood
thought‑provoking
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- organizational review
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is pragmatic judgment insufficient?
- How to improve institutions?
A Different Perspective
May risk complacency with flawed systems.
![“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that freedom and dignity and patriotism are possible only under their protection; in this way they elicit the support of the very people they hold in subjection.” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/james-a-michener-1627_freedom_very-rich-people-with-brains-make-a-grea_8715.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
