Donella Meadows Quotes

Politics is the science of who gets what, when, and why.

Politics is who gets what, when, how.

Policy is driven by more than politics, however. It is equally driven by ideas.

Politics and power is a realm of relative influence.

You have to spend your political capital on great causes for your country.

The art of politics is knowing what to do next.

Economics, politics, and personalities are often inseparable.

You do the policy, I'll do the politics.

When you look at our world, the truth is that we're all under the influence of politics.

Washington - having spent a lot of time there, I grew up there and have spent a lot of time there recently - is largely defined by detailed analytical views and policy choices that are not very good. You know, each policy choice has a winner and a loser, right? Somebody's ox is getting gored.

Politicians love regulating. That's part of the whole power structure.

The dominant color of politics is gray; difficult choices and compromise are required at almost every step of the journey toward a major new program.

When you are President you have to get something done, and that often means compromise.

The day-to-day making of policy is arguing all the time.

Exploitation and government are two inseparable expressions of what is called politics.

Priorities are set by legislators, regulators and industry interests. The consumer gets the left-overs.

Policy and politics are always mixed up.

Government is about hard choices.

Policy making is not as easy as slurping down cabbage soup.

Every statesman must attempt to reconcile what is considered just with what is considered possible.

Whenever you involve scientists with politicians there is a struggle.

It is hard for the Chinese to understand that our policies are in great part the result of a number of random actions of different domestic pressure groups and not part of an overall plan.

Politics is about the persuasion required to move people to judgment.

Good or bad, political choices have an impact on the way country’s behave.

A surprising number of government committees will make important decisions on fundamental matters with less attention than each individual would give to buying a suit.