“The biggest mistake that you will make in life is believing that governments act in the public interest.”

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Meaning

This reads as a hard-edged warning about power and distrust. It points to the idea that institutions often serve their own interests first, and that assuming otherwise is naive. It lands in conversations about policy, corruption, or disappointment with official promises, especially when someone feels let down by public bodies.

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Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

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About Steven Magee

Steven Magee is a British philosopher and historian of ideas. He is best known for his work on the Enlightenment, particularly his exploration of how philosophical movements shaped modern thought. His writing bridges academic rigor and accessible insight, making complex ideas approachable.

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