“It is difficult to make our material condition better by the best law, but it is easy enough to ruin it by bad laws.”
- October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919
- American
- Politician, military officer
- Served as the 26th President of the United States, promoted progressive reforms and environmental conservation policies, and supported the construction of the Panama Canal
Quote
“It is difficult to make our material condition better by the best law, but it is easy enough to ruin it by bad laws.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt points to the idea that while good laws can improve society, their impact on material conditions—such as economic prosperity or social well-being—is often limited. On the other hand, bad laws or poorly designed policies can quickly cause harm or set back progress. Roosevelt’s emphasis is on the danger of negative legislation, which can have far-reaching consequences and disrupt the progress of a society. He argues that while well-intentioned laws may not always lead to immediate improvement, harmful laws can easily undermine economic stability, individual rights, and the well-being of citizens.
Roosevelt, during his presidency, was a firm believer in government intervention to address social injustices and economic inequality, but he also understood that bad legislation—such as laws that favored monopolies or were not properly enforced—could cause great damage. He worked to enact progressive reforms that would improve the lives of ordinary people without creating new unintended harms. Roosevelt’s view was that careful legislation that took into account public welfare was crucial to advancing the common good.
This quote resonates today, especially in debates over legislation and public policy. It serves as a reminder that while the goal of improving material conditions may not be easily achieved through law alone, bad laws can easily worsen economic and social situations. It encourages lawmakers to craft policies that carefully consider the long-term effects on society, understanding that the wrong approach can harm the very people it is intended to help. Roosevelt’s words underline the importance of thoughtful, balanced legislation that promotes sustainable growth and prosperity.
