"To act on the belief that we possess the knowledge and the power which enable us to shape the processes of society entirely to our liking, knowledge which in fact we do not possess, is likely to make us do much harm"

This quote by Friedrich August von Hayek is a caution against the threats of believing that we have the power to control society. He is warning against the concept that we can form society to our taste, as if we have all the understanding and power required to do so. He argues that this belief is misguided, as we do not really possess the understanding and power to control society. He cautions that if we act on this belief, it is likely to trigger a great deal of harm. This quote acts as a reminder that we must be simple in our understanding of the world and our location in it, and that we must beware not to overstate our own power.