QuoteProject
There seems to be an increasing awareness of something we Americans have known for some time - that the ten most dangerous words in the English language are "Hi, I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."
Ronald Reagan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests skepticism towards government intervention, implying that such assistance often leads to problems rather than solutions.

Ronald Reagan's quote highlights a common sentiment regarding government involvement in people's lives. It indicates that many individuals perceive government aid as potentially harmful or intrusive rather than beneficial, reflecting a broader distrust in government capabilities and intentions. This skepticism suggests that rather than solving issues, government actions may complicate matters, resonating with those who value personal responsibility and limited government interference.

Themes

GovernmentHelpSkepticismInterventionPolitics

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote in a political debate to emphasize the dangers of government overreach.

More from Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald ReaganRead
Our status as a free society and world power is not based on brute strength. When we've taken up arms, it has been for the defense of freedom for ourselves and for other peaceful nations who needed our help. But now, faced with the development of weapons with immense destructive power, we've no choice but to maintain ready defense forces that are second to none. Yes, the cost is high, but the price of neglect would be infinitely higher.
Ronald ReaganRead
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
Ronald ReaganRead
I'm not a politician by profession. I am a citizen who decided I had to be personally involved in order to stand up for my own values and beliefs. My candidacy is based on my record, and for that matter, my entire life.
Ronald ReaganRead
My fellow citizens, our nation is poised for greatness. We must do what we know is right, and do it with all our might. Let history say of us: "These were golden years - when the American Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained new life, and America reached for her best."
Ronald ReaganRead
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
Ronald ReaganRead

Similar quotes

I found that it was all right to have Martians saying things Democrats and Republicans could never say.
Rod SerlingRead
Whatever your issue is, whether it's racism or homophobia or policy issues or taxes or urban decay or health care, you're not going to go anywhere with it if we don't focus on the concentration of power.
Ralph NaderRead
The world has to have zero tolerance for naked dictatorship.
Asma JahangirRead
As someone who worked hard for a Labour victory in the 90s, do I regret it? Not really. It was bound to happen. And it'll happen with the next government, and the one after it. Because all governments serve us. They serve the filth.
Stephen FryRead
What, after all, is the public under present conditions? What are the reasons for its eclipse? What hinders it from finding and identifying itself? By what means shall its inchoate and amorphous estate be organized into effective political action relevant to present social needs and opportunities? What has happened to the public in the century and a half since the theory of political democracy was urged with such assurance and hope?
John DeweyRead
The people of every country are the only safe guardians of their own rights.
Thomas JeffersonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.