Experiment Quotes
This is a very important quotation because it illustrates a large difference between ideological politics and science and scientific thinking. As an example, one of the must fundamental rules of conservative Republicans at the beginning of the 21st century was that “If taxes are raised, the economic consequences will be that growth and development of jobs will slow. In the last 6 years of Ronald Reagan’s administration, he raised taxes. Yet the economy grew. In the early years of the Clinton administration income tax rates were increased, and America had the greatest growth rate in modern times as well as a balanced budget with a surplus. There have been a few other examples of “exceptions” to this “rule.” There were also many examples where the rule held. However, from a scientific point of view, with the FIRST exception the rule (principle) was invalidated. Yet Republicans continue to use and quote the rule which is clearly untrue. The scientist would likely have amended the rule to reflect reality: “In many cases, raising income tax rates will often slow economic growth.” However, politicians commonly state principles and rules despite the fact that there are exceptions. As for the statement “the exception proves the rule” there are few as absurd. One exception means no valid rule.
This noteworthy quotation illustrates a rarity in politics—a politician publicly admitting that his policy had failed. In this case it was the Embargo against England and France which cost American traders, merchants, and ship-owners a great deal, but never did have the desired effect on the target counties. See {32446} for another Jefferson quote on experimentation. He and FDR were the two presidents who admitted frankly that they were trying new unproven things. See {604829} for an FDR quotation. Also see {359804} for a general view of experimentation and {599787} for Disraeli’s disdain for political experimentation.
