What is missing from the policy analyst's tool kit -- and from the set of accepted, well-developed theories of human organization -- is an adequately specified theory of collective action whereby a group of principals can organize themselves voluntarily to retain the residuals of their own efforts.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the need for a theory that explains how groups can willingly collaborate to manage shared resources effectively.
Elinor Ostrom highlights a gap in policy analysis regarding collective action among individuals. She suggests that current theories do not adequately explain how groups can voluntarily organize themselves to manage and benefit from the results of their collective efforts, advocating for a robust framework that supports cooperation and resource management.
In practice
During a seminar on community resource management, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of collaborative approaches.
Some of the homes that have been built in the last 10 years just appall me. Why do humans need huge homes? I was born poor and I didn’t know you bought clothes at anything but the Goodwill until I went to college. Some of our mentality about what it means to have a good life is, I think, not going to help us in the next 50 years. We have to think through how to choose a meaningful life where we’re helping one another in ways that really help the Earth.
What we have ignored is what citizens can do and the importance of real involvement of the people involved - versus just having somebody in Washington make a rule.
The power of a theory is exactly proportional to the diversity of situations it can explain.
It is not a disgrace to fail. Failing is one of the greatest arts in the world.
The great will not condescend to take anything seriously.
Real wealth is ideas plus energy.
Thy words, I grant are bigger, for I wear not, my dagger in my mouth.
A man should inure himself to voluntary labor, and not give up to indulgence and pleasure, as they beget no good constitution of body nor knowledge of mind.
The only true retirement is that of the heart; the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they have lived, with graceful resignation.
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