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Bureaucratic Quote by John James Cowperthwaite

“Over a wide field of our economy it is still the better course to rely on the nineteenth century's "hidden hand" than to thrust clumsy bureaucratic fingers into its sensitive mechanism. In particular, we cannot afford to damage its mainspring, freedom of competitive enterprise.” quote by John James Cowperthwaite
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“Over a wide field of our economy it is still the better course to rely on the nineteenth century's "hidden hand" than to thrust clumsy bureaucratic fingers into its sensitive mechanism. In particular, we cannot afford to damage its mainspring, freedom of competitive enterprise.”

John James Cowperthwaite

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic Policy Address, Hong Kong, 1965

Free markets thrive when competition is left to operate without heavy bureaucratic interference.

In simple terms: Competition works best with minimal government.

Key Takeaway

Preserve market freedom.

Themes

economics government competition

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • business regulation
  • tax policy
  • trade agreements
  • innovation ecosystems

Key Concepts

liberalism market dynamics policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should some regulation be retained?
  • What are the risks of too much freedom?
A Different Perspective

Over‑regulation can also protect against market failures.

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