Aim Quote by Theodore Dalrymple
“The aim of untold millions is to be free to do exactly as they choose and for someone else to pay when things go wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Social Responsibility, 2008
Freedom includes the right to act as one wishes, but others may bear the costs of mistakes.
In simple terms: Freedom can shift burdens to others.
Key Takeaway
Balance liberty with responsibility.
Themes
politics
ethics
freedom
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
essay
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- insurance
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
externalities
social contract
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should bear the cost of others' failures?
- When does personal liberty become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Unlimited freedom can lead to exploitation.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
