Bigger Quote by P. J. O'Rourke
“When a private entity does not produce the desired results, it is (certain body parts excepted) done away with. But a public entity gets bigger.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Public vs. Private” in “The Book of Bad Songs”, 1994
Private ventures are cut when failing, while public ones expand despite inefficiency.
In simple terms: Public bodies grow even when they fail.
Key Takeaway
Question institutional growth.
Themes
government
efficiency
accountability
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- organizational reform
- budgeting
- public administration
Key Concepts
Public choice theory
bureaucracy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do voters protect failing agencies?
- What incentives drive public sector expansion?
A Different Perspective
Public entities may resist necessary cuts due to political pressure.
