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We may not always recognize it, but government plays a bigger role in our lives than any other single person or institution. We spend nearly half of our lives working to pay for it. Children spend more time in government schools than they do with their parents. Birth, death, marriage, every area of our lives feels the influence of government.

Harry Browne#32

PoliticsSocietyLifePowerDaily lifeInfluence

About this quote

What does it mean?
Government influences nearly every part of daily life more than any other entity.
In plain terms
From work to school to life events, government shapes most of our time.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the pervasive influence of government in daily life.

Where it applies

  • civic education
  • policy discussion
  • time management

Putting it to work

  • track civic engagement
  • review rules

Questions to consider

  • How much power does government have?
  • What should it change?

Another view

Private institutions also deeply influence many aspects of life.

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