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If more government is the answer, then it was a really stupid question.
Ronald Reagan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that increasing government involvement is not a solution but rather indicates a misunderstanding of the problem.

Ronald Reagan's quote highlights skepticism towards government intervention in societal issues. By implying that if a problem can only be solved by more government, it reflects a fundamental flaw in how the problem is perceived or articulated, suggesting that often, less government may be the preferred solution to fostering individual freedoms and self-reliance.

Themes

GovernmentAnswerQuestionInterventionFreedomSkepticism

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on healthcare, one might use this quote to argue against excessive government involvement.

More from Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
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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.
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I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
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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.
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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."
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We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
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