ost people would be glad to tend/mind their own business if the government would give it back” has been cited in print since at least 1971 and is of unknown authorship. The anti-government, pro-business saying was a favorite of Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).
 
   
Sensational Quotes about Business
People would be delighted to attend to their own business if the government would give it back to them.
— Unknown Wise Person
 
16 December 1971, Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA), “Words and Music,” pg. 20, col. 2:
Most people would be glad to tend to their own business—if the government would give it back.
     
10 September 1977, Cumberland (MD) News, pg. 1, col. 5:
Today’s Chuckle
Most people would be glad to tend to their business if the government would give it back.
 
Google Books
14,000 Quips & Quotes:
For speakers, writers, editors, preachers, and teachers
By E. C. McKenzie
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
1990, ©1980.
Pg. 57:
People would be delighted to attend to their own business if the government would give it back to them.
   
Google Books
Speaker’s Library of Business Stories, Anecdotes, and Humor
By Joe Griffith
New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books
2000
Pg. 138:
Most people would be glad to tend their own business if the government would give it back.
   
Google Books
And I Quote:
The definitive collection of quotes, sayings, and jokes for the contemporary speechmaker
By Ashton Applewhite, Tripp Evans and Andrew Frothingham
New York, NY: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press
2003
Pg. 263:
Most people would be glad to tend their own business if the government would give it back.
 
Google Books
The Notes:
Ronald Reagan’s Private Collection of Stories and Wisdom
By Ronald Reagan
Edited by Douglas Brinkley
New York, NY: HarperCollins
2011
Pg. 255:
Most people would be glad to mind their own business if the govt. would give it back.