The quote from Stacy Schiff's book, "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America," reflects on Benjamin Franklin's cynical view of assemblies of men governing commerce. He implied that despite their wisdom, such gatherings often fail to act sensibly, leading to foolish decisions. This statement suggests that collective wisdom can sometimes generate misguided outcomes that do not serve the public interest.

Franklin's perspective highlights a significant tension in political decision-making, where the intentions of wise individuals can get overshadowed by bureaucracy and flawed consensus. His skepticism emphasizes the need for critical thinking and individual insight in governance, reminding us that even the most intelligent groups can err in judgment if not guided by pragmatism and reality.