In her book "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," Barbara W. Tuchman examines the tendency of governments to pursue misguided policies, highlighting the contrast between what is expected of individuals and the often irrational behavior of governments. Tuchman argues that if folly and irrationality are common traits in individuals, it is not surprising that these traits manifest within political entities as well.

The quote underscores the idea that since humans can be prone to foolish decisions, it is unreasonable to expect governments to consistently act rationally or wisely. Through historical examples, Tuchman illustrates how governments throughout history have engaged in self-destructive actions, suggesting that the flaws inherent in human nature are amplified in the realm of politics.