--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Richard Posner, the iconoclastic…" description: "\"“Richard Posner, the iconoclastic libertarian legal scholar, has called perpetual charitable foundations a \"completely irresponsible institution, answe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bfa/jane-mayer-1031_charitable-foundatio_richard-posner-the-iconoclastic-libertar_1504985.png" --- # Richard Posner, the iconoclastic libertarian legal… ![“Richard Posner, the iconoclastic libertarian legal scholar, has called perpetual charitable foundations a "completely irresponsible institution, answerable to nobody," and suggested that "the puzzle in economics is why these foundations are not total scandals.” quote by Jane Mayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bfa/jane-mayer-1031_charitable-foundatio_richard-posner-the-iconoclastic-libertar_1504985.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bfa/jane-mayer-1031_charitable-foundatio_richard-posner-the-iconoclastic-libertar_1504985.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bfa/jane-mayer-1031_charitable-foundatio_richard-posner-the-iconoclastic-libertar_1504985.png) > ““Richard Posner, the iconoclastic libertarian legal scholar, has called perpetual charitable foundations a "completely irresponsible institution, answerable to nobody," and suggested that "the puzzle in economics is why these foundations are not total scandals.”” [Jane Mayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-mayer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Perpetual foundations lack accountability, risking irresponsibility and potential scandals despite their charitable intent. **In simple terms:** Charitable foundations can be unaccountable and risky. Key Takeaway Demand transparency and oversight. Themes ethics law philanthropy Mood critical analytical Type journalistic inquisitive When to use this quote - policy reform - donor education - foundation management Key Concepts accountability risk non‑profit governance Questions to Reflect On - How can foundations balance permanence with accountability? - What safeguards ensure responsible giving? A Different Perspective May ignore benefits of long‑term charitable work. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Charitable foundations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/charitable-foundations-30179/) [Economics Foundations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics-foundations-5526868/) [Iconoclastic Libertarian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/iconoclastic-libertarian-5526867/) [Irresponsible Institution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/irresponsible-institution-5526866/) [Posner Iconoclastic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/posner-iconoclastic-5526865/) ## Related quotes > [I still don't understand why you don't mention the family charitable foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative. 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