If they are too big to fail, make them smaller.
George P. ShultzRead
Nothing ever gets settled in this town. a seething debating society in which the debate never stops, in which people never give up, including me. And so that's the atmosphere in which you administer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the ongoing nature of debate and discussion in society, highlighting a persistent engagement with issues.
George P. Shultz emphasizes that in his town, discussions and debates are a constant presence, suggesting that resolution is rare and the dialogue is ongoing. This atmosphere of relentless questioning and engagement plays a vital role in how one governs or leads, indicating that active participation in discussion is crucial for understanding and managing societal dynamics.
Themes
DebateDiscussionSocietyEngagementLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a town hall meeting to emphasize the importance of community dialogue.
More from George P. Shultz
All quotes →He who walks in the middle of the roads gets hit from both sides.
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The minute you start talking about what you're going to do if you lose, you have lost.
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What we want is scientists who don't become part of the policy discussion: All they do is produce science. If someone becomes an advocate, then I won't pay as much attention to their science.
George P. ShultzRead
I want my grandchildren to be proud of me. That's the main thing.
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Increasingly, the state system has been eroding. Terrorists have exploited this weakness by burrowing into the state system in order to attack it.
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