But ultimately what I was impressed by during my years in government was how much the intellectual climate and the prevailing intellectual notions constrained and represented the universe within which the discourse took place.
Meaning of the quote
During his time working for the government, Lawrence Summers noticed that the way people thought and talked about ideas often limited the discussions. The common beliefs and ways of thinking in that environment shaped the topics and opinions that were considered acceptable. This meant the real range of possibilities was not fully explored.
More quotes from Lawrence Summers
I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to it.
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In the history of the world, no one has ever washed a rented car.
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I’ve always thought that underpopulated countries in Africa are vastly underpolluted.
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But ultimately what I was impressed by during my years in government was how much the intellectual climate and the prevailing intellectual notions constrained and represented the universe within which the discourse took place.
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The availability of private insurance provides tremendous insulation for millions of individuals.
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Contagion has become very much a phenomenon, and it’s a phenomenon of globalization.
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There are children who are working in textile businesses in Asia who would be prostitutes on the streets if they did not have those jobs.
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If you look at the history of the American capital market, there’s probably no innovation more important than the idea of generally accepted accountancy principles.
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It certainly was difficult to sell NAFTA because it’s always difficult to sell open markets.
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