What is missing from the policy analyst's tool kit -- and from the set of accepted, well-developed theories of human organization -- is an adequately specified theory of collective action whereby a group of principals can organize themselves voluntarily to retain the residuals of their own efforts.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the need for a theory that explains how groups can willingly collaborate to manage shared resources effectively.
Elinor Ostrom highlights a gap in policy analysis regarding collective action among individuals. She suggests that current theories do not adequately explain how groups can voluntarily organize themselves to manage and benefit from the results of their collective efforts, advocating for a robust framework that supports cooperation and resource management.
In practice
During a seminar on community resource management, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of collaborative approaches.
Some of the homes that have been built in the last 10 years just appall me. Why do humans need huge homes? I was born poor and I didn’t know you bought clothes at anything but the Goodwill until I went to college. Some of our mentality about what it means to have a good life is, I think, not going to help us in the next 50 years. We have to think through how to choose a meaningful life where we’re helping one another in ways that really help the Earth.
What we have ignored is what citizens can do and the importance of real involvement of the people involved - versus just having somebody in Washington make a rule.
The power of a theory is exactly proportional to the diversity of situations it can explain.
Regret is useless in life. It's in the past. All we have is now.
As a person thinks, feels, and believes, so is the condition of his or her mind, body, and circumstances.
Those who are too lazy and comfortable to think for themselves and be their own judges obey the laws. Others sense their own laws within them.
You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing.
How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord said, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain" (Ex. 20:7).
Use your imagination and you'll see that even the most narrow, humdrum lives are infinite in scope if you examine them with enough care.
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