Accepting Quote by John James Cowperthwaite
“If people want consultative government, the price is increased complexity and delay in arriving at decisions. If they want speed of government, then they must accept a greater degree of authoritarianism. I suspect that the real answer is that most people prefer the latter so long, that is, as government's decisions conform with their own views.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Policy Remarks, Hong Kong, 1965
Choosing between inclusive, consultative governance and swift, authoritarian decision‑making involves a trade‑off between complexity and speed.
In simple terms: More people favor fast decisions that match their views, even if it means less consultation.
Key Takeaway
Balance desire for speed with safeguards for accountability.
Themes
governance
decisionmaking
tradeoffs
authoritarianism
consultation
Mood
reflective
critical
analytical
Type
advisory
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- crisis response
- public consultation
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
political theory
public choice
institutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- How much complexity are you willing to tolerate for broader input?
- What mechanisms can preserve speed while ensuring accountability?
A Different Perspective
Fast decisions can marginalize minority voices and reduce transparency.
