Ifs Quote by Walter Lippmann
“The public interest may be presumed to be what men would choose if they saw clearly, thought rationally, acted disinterestedly and benevolently.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Public Opinion, Walter Lippmann, 1922
The public good is what rational, unbiased people would choose if fully informed.
In simple terms: Ideal public interest is rational, informed choice.
Seek informed, unbiased decision‑making.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- voting
- media consumption
- community planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true rationality ever be achieved?
- What limits unbiased decision‑making?
Assumes people can be fully rational and disinterested, which is rare.