" Policy people suffer their own kind of agony, and no wonder. After all, what is the average life of the policy person? You go into government if you are lucky, do your best, aren’t appreciated, take all the blame for policies for which you are only partly responsible, leave, realize your reputation has been damaged, maybe permanently. "
- Amity Shlaes

The quote highlights the challenging life cycle of someone who works on policy within government or similar institutions. These individuals often enter these roles with high hopes and a strong desire to make positive changes. However, their experience tends to be marked by significant difficulties: they may face criticism for policies that are not entirely their fault, see their efforts go unacknowledged, and leave their positions with damaged reputations.

On a deeper level, the quote reflects broader issues within political systems and organizational cultures. It underscores how policy makers often find themselves in complex situations where they must balance conflicting interests and make decisions that can have far-reaching consequences. The lack of appreciation for these complexities can lead to a cycle of frustration and disillusionment among those who work hard to improve society through policy implementation. Additionally, the quote hints at the broader societal challenge of recognizing the nuanced roles people play in creating public policies.

Amity Shlaes is an American author and economic historian known for her insightful writings on economic history and contemporary economic issues. She has written extensively about financial crises and government interventions throughout history, often focusing on how policy decisions have shaped economic conditions over time. Her work frequently delves into the human side of economics and governance, exploring the personal and professional struggles faced by those who create and implement policies.