Otto von Bismarck: 'Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.'

Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.

In the world of politics and governance, few statements have encapsulated the essence of the legislative process as succinctly and humorously as Otto von Bismarck's notorious quote: 'Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.' This quote denotes the idea that the process of creating laws, just like the process of making sausages, can be messy, unappetizing, and even a tad repulsive. It suggests that the behind-the-scenes machinations and compromises involved in the lawmaking process can tarnish the pristine image we often have of the laws themselves.At its core, Bismarck's quote speaks to the notion that the legislative process can be riddled with political maneuvering, personal agendas, and compromises that may not necessarily align with the interests and values of the people they are meant to serve. Additionally, it highlights the inherent complexity of crafting laws that must balance multiple viewpoints and address intricate societal issues. The quote resonates with many who have observed politics from afar, hinting at the idea that the end product may not always live up to the initial ideals and intentions.However, beyond its plain meaning lies an unexpected philosophical concept that can further pique our interest in this quote: the concept of the veil of ignorance, introduced by the philosopher John Rawls. Rawls proposed that when making decisions about societal structures and policies, individuals should imagine themselves behind a metaphorical 'veil of ignorance,' where they are unaware of their own social, economic, or political position. This thought experiment aims to encourage impartiality and fairness by preventing individuals from favoring outcomes that solely benefit their own particular circumstances.Drawing a parallel with Bismarck's quote, the concept of the veil of ignorance suggests that the best laws are those devoid of personal agendas, compromises, and hidden interests. It posits that if laws could be crafted without the visible 'messiness' of the political process, they would be more just and conducive to societal harmony. While this ideal may be aspirational in practice, it serves as a valuable guiding principle for lawmakers, encouraging them to rise above self-interest and consider the needs and values of all stakeholders.Comparing and contrasting the two ideas sheds light on the complexity of the lawmaking process. On one hand, Bismarck's quote acknowledges the realities of politics, highlighting the compromises and imperfections that often accompany the creation of laws. It recognizes that the process of making laws may not always be as idealistic and principled as we would hope. On the other hand, the veil of ignorance offers a philosophical remedy, urging lawmakers to strive for impartiality and fairness despite the inevitable messiness of the process.Ultimately, Bismarck's quote serves as a cautionary reminder to society that the idealized perception we may have of laws can be shattered when confronted with their intricate creation. However, the concept of the veil of ignorance provides us with a glimmer of hope, suggesting that if lawmakers are guided by principles rather than personal interests, the outcome can transcend the messiness of the process.In conclusion, Otto von Bismarck's quote, 'Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made,' captures the essence of the lawmaking process by acknowledging its inherent complexity and imperfection. However, when juxtaposed with the philosophical concept of the veil of ignorance, it encourages policymakers to rise above personal biases and work towards the creation of just laws. Together, these ideas prompt us to critically examine our assumptions about legislation and inspire us to advocate for a more transparent, principled, and fair governing process.