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You will find that the State is the kind of organization which, though it does big things badly, does small things badly, too.
John Kenneth Galbraith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that bureaucratic organizations, like the state, often struggle with efficiency regardless of the size of the task.

John Kenneth Galbraith highlights the inefficiencies inherent in governmental organizations. He points out that the state fails to execute both large and small tasks effectively, reflecting a broader criticism of bureaucratic systems where complexity and size do not ensure competence.

Themes

GovernmentBureaucracyInefficiencyOrganizationCritique

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about government funding and efficiency, this quote could highlight the challenges in public administration.

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One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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