Failure Quote by Thomas Sowell
“Any policy is a success by sufficiently low standards and a failure by sufficiently high standards.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell, 2000
A policy's evaluation depends on the standards applied; low standards deem it successful, high standards deem it a failure.
In simple terms: Success or failure is judged by the standards used.
Key Takeaway
Set realistic standards for policy assessment.
Themes
policy evaluation
standards
success
failure
political analysis
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government programs
- budget decisions
- regulatory reforms
- social initiatives
Key Concepts
normative theory
comparative assessment
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards should guide policy success?
- How do standards affect public perception?
A Different Perspective
High standards may be unrealistic and dismiss useful policies.
