“No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth!”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth!”
Explanation
In this characteristically humorous yet pointed observation, Ronald Reagan critiques the tendency of government to expand and persist, often beyond its original purpose. His statement reflects a fundamental belief that bureaucracy, once established, resists dissolution, growing more entrenched over time. By comparing a government bureau to “eternal life,” Reagan satirizes the self-sustaining nature of public institutions, implying that they endure not because of effectiveness, but because of inertia and vested interest.
This quote aligns with Reagan’s broader philosophy of limited government and individual freedom, central themes of his presidency in the 1980s. Coming after decades of increasing federal programs—particularly during the New Deal and Great Society eras—Reagan’s administration sought to curb what he saw as runaway government growth, reduce spending, and return power to states and citizens. The quote served as a rallying cry for those who believed that government expansion often leads to inefficiency, redundancy, and lack of accountability.
Today, the quote remains relevant amid ongoing debates about government reform, budget deficits, and the role of public institutions. Whether addressing entitlements, regulatory agencies, or administrative overhead, critics often cite Reagan’s insight to argue that programs rarely sunset, even when their utility fades. His message endures as a warning that government, once grown, must be actively and continuously held in check—lest it become a permanent fixture of inefficiency cloaked in permanence.
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