“Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
table of contents
Quote
“Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.”
Explanation
With this vivid and humorous metaphor, Ronald Reagan criticizes what he sees as the insatiable and unaccountable nature of government. By likening it to a baby—constantly consuming resources without offering maturity or responsibility in return—he emphasizes the idea that government tends to grow, demand more, and contribute less in proportion to what it takes. The “big appetite” symbolizes ever-increasing taxation and spending, while the “no sense of responsibility” represents the lack of fiscal discipline and inefficiency he believed plagued public institutions.
Reagan’s analogy reflects a key tenet of his presidency: the belief that government often causes more problems than it solves when it overextends itself. Throughout the 1980s, he sought to reduce the size and scope of federal authority, cut taxes, and eliminate what he considered unnecessary regulations and programs. This quote was part of his broader rhetorical strategy—using humor to make sharp political critiques more accessible and memorable to the public.
In today’s political discourse, the quote continues to resonate with those who advocate for smaller, more efficient government. It captures a widespread frustration with bureaucracy, waste, and perceived detachment from citizen accountability. Reagan’s message is clear: government should serve the people, not burden them, and must be carefully monitored to prevent it from becoming a bloated entity that consumes without contributing in kind.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
