Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
Condoleezza RiceRead
I think my father thought I might be president of the United States. I think he would've been satisfied with secretary of state. I'm a foreign policy person and to have a chance to serve my country as the nation's chief diplomat at a time of peril and consequence, that was enough.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the author's father's aspirations for her and her sense of fulfillment in serving her country.
Condoleezza Rice reflects on the expectations her father had for her future, expressing that he believed she had the potential to achieve great things, even reaching the presidency. Despite those lofty ambitions, Rice finds satisfaction in her significant role as the chief diplomat, emphasizing the importance of public service during challenging times and the value of serving her country.
Themes
LeadershipServiceDiplomacyAspirationPublic Service
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech focusing on future aspirations.
More from Condoleezza Rice
All quotes →What the United States has done is to be open to people who are fleeing tyranny, who are fleeing danger, but we have done it in a very careful way that has worked for us.
Condoleezza RiceRead
For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.
Condoleezza RiceRead
Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
Condoleezza RiceRead
Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
Condoleezza RiceRead
Let me let you in on a little secret. There is no such thing as an international community. There are self-maximizing, self-interested states that will push their interests as far as possible.
Condoleezza RiceRead
Similar quotes
I would rather play with 10 men than wait for a player who is late for the bus.
Jose MourinhoRead
Great nations need organizing principles, and 'Don't do stupid stuff' is not an organizing principle.
Hillary ClintonRead
I don't pretend there aren't biological differences, but I don't believe the desire for leadership is hardwired biology, not the desire to win or excel. I believe that it's socialization, that we're socializing our daughters to nurture and our boys to lead.
Sheryl SandbergRead
Strong countries and strong presidents talk to their adversaries. That's what Kennedy did with Khrushchev. That's what Reagan did with Gorbachev. That's what Nixon did with Mao. I mean think about it. Iran, Cuba, Venezuela - these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us. And yet we were willing to talk to the Soviet Union at the time when they were saying we're going to wipe you off the planet.
Barack ObamaRead
We are about creating a new wave of talent. We are the Manchester United of kitchens now. Am I playing full-time in the kitchen? I am a player-coach.
Gordon RamsayRead
I had worked hard my entire career to establish myself as a leader. But I wasn't a leader until I was perceived as one.
Steve YoungRead