Few businessmen are capable of being in politics, they don't understand the democratic process, they have neither the tolerance or the depth it takes. Democracy isn't a business.
Interpretation
Businessmen often struggle to grasp the complexities of democracy because it requires a different mindset than that of running a business.
Malcolm Forbes emphasizes the distinction between business and politics, suggesting that the skills necessary for success in one area do not necessarily translate to the other. He argues that the nuances of democracy demand a level of tolerance and depth of understanding that many businessmen may lack, indicating that political leadership requires a different set of competencies than those employed in the corporate world.
In practice
In a speech about the role of businessmen in government.
Over the years, I've evolved a somewhat heretical but time-and mind-saving approach to books, articles, editorials that deal with weighty matters. More often than not, by beginning at the end and contemplating the conclusions, one can determine if it's worth going through the whole to get there.
Those who enjoy responsibility usually get it; those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it.
To live long and achieve happiness, cultivate the art of radiating happiness.
The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.
If you never budge, don't expect a push.
It's never a good deal when only one party thinks it is.
I like to be involved in politics. I like to be involved in government. I've been in politics all my life. I would like to remain in government. I don't think that's so sinister.
We've been saying Putin is a dictator for years who doesn't care about the law.
As soon as politicians start climbing up the ladder, they suddenly become kings. I don't know how it works, but what I do know is that republics came to the world to make sure that no one is more than anyone else. The pomp of office is like something left over from a feudal past: "You need a palace, red carpet, a lot of people behind you saying, 'Yes, sir.' I think all of that is awful."
The public is strongly in favor of the Kyoto Protocols, so strongly in favor that a majority of Bush voters thought that he was in favor of it. They are simply unaware.
Colombia has been the leading western recipient of U.S. arms and training as violence has grown through the '90s.
If ever this free people, if this Government itself is ever utterly demoralized, it will come from this incessant human wriggle and struggle for office, which is but a way to live without work.
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