Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote questions whether the world is managed by clever people who are deceiving us or by foolish people who truly believe their actions.
- In plain terms
- It wonders if we’re being misled by smart liars or honest fools.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the competence and honesty of those in power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we assess the motives of leaders?
- What evidence distinguishes deception from sincerity?
Another view
It reduces complex governance to a binary view of competence.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
Only presidents, editors and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial 'we'.
Permalink to quote #182 Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very'; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
Permalink to quote #184 Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.
Permalink to quote #181
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