"The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would ... assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it."
by:
Adam Smith
(1723-1790) Scottish philosopher and economist
Source:
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, 1776
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Reader comments about this quote:
Very much agree! The responsibilities of business owners taking away and put in the hands of Congress, the Senate, the Unions and Obama is "presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it." This is no more then pure arrogance on his part.
 -- Elaine, Atlanta     
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    Sort of like Big Brother in Washington telling you what light bulbs you have to buy, which toilets you must buy, and heaven forbid, no transfats in the food you eat and a million other edicts from bright folk like Nancy and Ralph.
     -- jim k, Austin,Tx     
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    Jim K., you said it best. That is every bit true.
     -- cal, lewisville, tx     
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    Scotland first had the truth of liberty before England. Also those that translated the truth into english for King James.
     -- WMITN13, USA     
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    Suits perfectly the administration of the day and it's Communist Health Care Plan that gives the Feds direct access to and control of, your finances.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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     -- Mike, Norwalk      
     -- RBESRQ      
    What percentage of our elected officials have read The Wealth of Nations? I would wager the least presumptuous two percent or less have, and the rest have either never heard of it, or presume it is full of out-dated ideas.
     -- Justin, Elkland     
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