Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A legislator must balance ideal theory with the reality of current conditions.
In plain terms
Balance perfect theory with real-world facts.
What can you take from it?
Ground laws in both theory and reality.

Where it applies

  • lawmaking
  • policy design
  • public administration

Putting it to work

  • research current conditions
  • draft flexible laws
  • consult experts

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance theory and practice?
  • What limits ideal reforms?

Another view

Ideal theory may conflict with practical constraints.

More from Wilhelm von Humboldt

  1. The incapacity for freedom can only arise from a want of moral and intellectual power; to elevate this power is the only way to counteract this want; but to do…

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. It is the principle of necessity towards which, as to their ultimate centre, all the ideas advanced in this essay immediately converge. In abstract theory the …

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. In order to bring about the transition from the condition of the present to another newly resolved on, every reform should be allowed to proceed as much as pos…

    Permalink to quote #20

Related quotes

  1. The problem of cat versus bird is as old as time. If we attempt to resolve it by legislation who knows but what we may be called upon to take sides as well in …

    Adlai StevensonAdlai Stevenson quote #1
  2. There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.

    Andrew JohnsonAndrew Johnson quote #1
  3. I'll sign anything except bad legislation.

    Kinky FriedmanKinky Friedman quote #15