This quote essentially suggests that the specific form of government is less important than how well that government is managed or administered. The phrase "let fools contest" implies that arguing over the best form of government is a futile exercise, and perhaps even a foolish one. Instead, the focus should be on the effectiveness of the administration, regardless of its form.
The quote emphasizes the idea that effectiveness and efficiency should be the primary measures of a government’s value, rather than its ideological or theoretical framework. It posits that a well-administered dictatorship could be better than a poorly administered democracy, or vice versa. The key factor is not the system itself, but how it is run.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied to the ongoing debates about the best form of government, whether it’s democracy, socialism, communism, or any other form. Often, these debates become entrenched in ideological battles, losing sight of the practical goal: to create a government that works well for its people. This quote reminds us to focus on the effectiveness of the administration, rather than getting caught up in ideological battles.
In terms of personal development, this quote can be interpreted as a call to focus on practical results rather than theoretical ideals. Just as a government should be evaluated on its administration rather than its form, individuals might be better served by focusing on their actions and results, rather than getting caught up in abstract ideals or theories. It’s not about what you believe or what you aspire to be, but what you do and how well you do it.