”Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies“ Ernest Benn Aphorism Early 20th century United Kingdom 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning The phrase suggests that politics is often about exaggerating or even creating problems, misunderstanding them, and then implementing solutions that do more harm than good. This cynicism reflects a distrust in political systems and highlights the irony that those in power may not always be the most competent in solving issues. Allegory The doctor's office setting represents the political arena, with the doctor symbolizing politicians. The oversized patient covered in bandages, representing society, illustrates the cumulative harm from incorrect remedies. The monstrous creatures in the background personify misunderstood problems that continue to cause havoc despite numerous attempts to control them. Tools and charts that don’t match the patient’s needs symbolize misguided and ineffective political efforts. The clutter of files and irrelevant medicines highlights the chaos and confusion often found in political actions, much like how the phrase describes fruitless problem-solving in politics. Applicability Applying the meaning of this phrase to personal life can serve as a reminder to be cautious of overly simplistic or reactive solutions to complex problems. It encourages individuals to thoroughly understand an issue before attempting to resolve it and to be wary of those who claim to have all the answers without a clear understanding of the problem. Impact The impact of this phrase has been to highlight the often absurd and counterproductive nature of political mechanisms. It resonates in various contexts of political disillusionment and has been used to criticize ineffective governance worldwide. The phrase is particularly popular in discussions about political reform and accountability. Historical Context Ernest Benn was active during the early 20th century. The phrase likely originates from this period, which was a time of significant political upheaval and social changes—post-World War I, the interwar period, and leading into World War II. During these times, there was widespread public disillusionment with political leaders and processes. Criticisms Criticisms of this phrase could focus on its overly cynical view of politics, potentially undermining constructive political engagement and fostering apathy or distrust among citizens. It may also be construed as delegitimizing genuine political efforts that work towards finding effective solutions. Variations Variations of this phrase reflect similar contentions across different cultures. For example, there’s a Russian proverb: "Stupidity and desperation are the parents of politics," which also speaks to the flawed nature of political decision-making. The interpretation of political cynicism is quite a universal theme, showing that mistrust in political systems is a common element in many cultures. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments We must be the great arsenal of democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt Read more Trust, but verify. Ronald Reagan Read more It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. Niccolò Machiavelli Read more The public service is a public trust. Popular culture Read more With friends like these, who needs enemies? Joey Adams, Plautus (attribution varies) Read more All warfare is based on deception. Sun Tzu Read more Public office is the last refuge of the incompetent. James Goldsmith Read more That government is best which governs least. Henry David Thoreau Read more We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill Read more Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. George Orwell Read more Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein Read more Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. Thomas Edison Read more By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close