A steady patriot of the world alone, The friend of every country but his own.
Away with the cant of 'Measures not men!'-the idle supposition that it is the harness and not the horses that draw the chariot along.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote argues that the effectiveness of actions depends on the people involved rather than just the methods or tools used.
George Canning's quote critiques the notion that success or failure is determined solely by the systems or methods in place ('Measures not men!'). Instead, he emphasizes the importance of the individuals ('horses') performing the tasks, suggesting that their abilities and character are what truly drive progress and achievement. This illustrates a broader philosophical viewpoint that human agency and qualities are paramount in any endeavor.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to discuss project failures, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of recognizing team members' contributions.
More from George Canning
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Each one of us, as long as life stirs is us, may play a part in extricating ourselves from the power system by asserting our primacy as people in quiet acts of mental or physical withdrawal-in gestures of non-conformity, in abstentions, restrictions, inhibitions, which will liberate us from the domination of the pentagon of power.
The ductless glands secrete among other things our moods, our aspirations, our philosophy of life.
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.
Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle.
Pots can show malice, the patterns of linoleum can leer up at you, treachery is the other side of dailiness.
You see in Islam, you see in Christianity, you see in Africa, in different religions, in Buddhism and Hinduism, there is a strong commitment to refugee protection.