“The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan delivers a sharp political jab cloaked in wit, targeting what he saw as the flawed assumptions and misinformation held by many liberal thinkers and policymakers. By saying they “know so much that isn’t so,” Reagan criticizes not their intelligence, but the foundational beliefs and ideas they rely on—suggesting that their confidence is misplaced and their policies misguided. The line is humorous, but it reflects a serious ideological divide over how problems are defined and solved in American political life.
This statement became a hallmark of Reagan’s rhetorical style: using humor to disarm opponents while reinforcing conservative values. He often applied this kind of critique to liberal economic policies, social programs, and views on government intervention—arguing that well-intentioned liberal policies often led to inefficiency, dependency, or unintended harm. The quote encapsulates his broader belief in free markets, personal responsibility, and limited government as more effective solutions.
In today’s politically polarized environment, the quote remains a frequently cited and debated line. Supporters use it to underscore the perceived disconnect between progressive ideals and practical outcomes, while critics view it as a dismissive oversimplification. Regardless, Reagan’s message endures as a challenge to examine the assumptions behind political ideology, and a reminder that good intentions must be matched by truth and results.
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