I am trying to do two things: dare to be a radical and not a fool, which is a matter of no small difficulty.
James A. GarfieldRead
Statistical science is indispensable to modern statesmanship. In legislation as in physical science it is beginning to be understood that we can control terrestrial forces only by obeying their laws. The legislator must formulate in his statutes not only the national will, but also those great laws of social life revealed by statistics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Statistical science is crucial for effective governance, as it helps lawmakers understand and apply societal laws.
In this quote, James A. Garfield emphasizes the importance of statistical science in the realm of governance and legislation. He argues that modern statesmanship cannot achieve its goals without recognizing and adhering to the statistical laws that govern social life. Just as physical scientists must obey the laws of nature, legislators must understand the statistical underpinnings of society to effectively respond to the needs and behaviors of the population they serve.
Themes
StatisticsGovernanceLegislationSocial ScienceLaws
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of data-driven policy-making.
More from James A. Garfield
All quotes →Justice and goodwill will outlast passion.
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Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.
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If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.
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Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
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I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that i may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.
James A. GarfieldRead
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