"Look, all administrations, all governments lie, all officials lie and nothing they say is to be believed. That's a pretty good rule"

The quote by Daniel Ellsberg asserts an extensive apprehension towards federal governments and their officials, recommending that dishonesty is a common characteristic throughout all administrations. This perspective implies that governments, regardless of their political orientation or the ethical concepts they declare to uphold, are inherently encouraged to manipulate information for numerous reasons-- be it to preserve power, protect nationwide interests, or lessen public backlash. Ellsberg's experience as a former military analyst and his role in the release of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 greatly influence this viewpoint. He uncovered and exposed U.S. federal government deception concerning the Vietnam War, thus strengthening his belief in the regular dishonesty of government entities.

Ellsberg's dictum, "nothing they state is to be thought", invites the general public to embrace a more critical and questioning attitude towards official communications. It likewise motivates a deeper analysis of governmental actions and policies rather than taking them at face value. In doing so, Ellsberg underscores the importance of investigative journalism, whistle-blowers, and independent oversight bodies in holding federal governments accountable. His assertion can be seen as promoting for openness and reality in governance, while also highlighting the obstacles residents deal with in discerning fact from deceptiveness.

Furthermore, this viewpoint aligns with a wider philosophical position known as political cynicism, which recommends that self-interest, instead of altruism or stability, predominantly drives political behavior. While such a viewpoint might verge on pessimism, it works as an essential look at power, urging the public and organizations to question and confirm instead of accept blindly. This technique does not always mean turning down all governmental statements however highlights the need for empirical proof and independent corroboration.

Ultimately, Ellsberg's quote acts as a tip of the complex and typically nontransparent nature of political power, advising alertness and important engagement from people to safeguard against adjustment and frauds.