On the record
For increased knowledge of human nature would directly and in unpredictable ways modify the workings of human nature, and lead to the need of new methods of regulation, and so on without end.
Said by
John Dewey
Source
gutenberg.orgJohn Dewey: “For increased knowledge of human nature would directly and in unpredictable ways modify the workings of human nature…”
Editor's note · Context
Dewey argues that increased knowledge of human nature leads to evolving methods of regulation.
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But in this respect he does not differ from those explicitly designated public officials who have also been known to betray the interest committed to them instead of faithfully representing it.
Mistakes pile up and consolidate themselves into laws and methods of administration which are more harmful than the consequences which they were originally intended to control.
The easiest way out was to go back to the naked individual, to sweep away all associations as foreign to his nature and rights save as they proceeded from his own voluntary choice, and guaranteed his own private ends.
It rules but it does not regulate; for its rule is confined to receipt of tribute and ceremonial deference.