Oliver Hartwich: It's cruel only to sound kind

Is it enough to have good intentions? Or is it better to focus on the outcomes of one’s actions?

A century ago, Max Weber, the founder of modern sociology, made this distinction.

I thought of Weber as Newshub broke an outrageous story on Tuesday. There are still the same number of mental health beds as there were in 2019.

Despite numerous speeches and pledges. Despite billions of dollars spent. And despite years of government activism.

Mental health patients sleep on mattresses on the floors of our hospitals. Those in the greatest need and desperation have not even the dignity of a bed.