Single Idea 7230

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / b. Devolution]

Full Idea

The safest practical ideal is to aim for the greatest dissemination of power consistent with efficiency.

Gist of Idea

Aim for the maximum dissemination of power consistent with efficiency

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.248


A Reaction

This is a very nice principle, which I would think desirable within an institution as well as on the scale of the state. I am becoming a fan of Mill's politics. I still say that freedom is an overrated virtue, so efficiency must be underrated.