Attained Quote by Joseph Story
“A good government implies two things; first, fidelity to the objects of the government; secondly, a knowledge of the means, by which those objects can be best attained.”
About This Quote
Source Legal Treatise: Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833
A good government must stay true to its purpose and understand the best methods to achieve it.
In simple terms: Government should be faithful to its goals and know how to reach them.
Align purpose with effective means.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
- public sector reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What ensures a government remains true to its purpose?
- How can means be measured effectively?
Implementation can be hindered by corruption or misaligned incentives.