If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe.
Many who think they are workers in politics are really merely tools.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that some individuals believe they are actively engaged in political work, while in reality, they are just being used by others for their own purposes.
Lord Salisbury's quote highlights the idea that many individuals in politics mistakenly perceive themselves as influential agents, when, in truth, they are manipulated or utilized by more powerful entities. This serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of self-awareness and the potential for individuals to become pawns in a larger political game, often stripping away their autonomy and agency.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political debate to highlight the lack of authenticity in some political actors.
More from Lord Salisbury
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the UN Security Council. This means, in effect, that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security. You couldn't make this thing up.
Without alienation, there can be no politics.
I think it's about time! Who cares whether he is looking for votes or not! At least your country is moving forward with the times!
The ultimate test of the value of a political system is whether it helps that society to establish conditions which improve the standard of living for the majority of its people.
The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the goverment.
The Iranian regime suppresses its own people as well as others in the region. It prevents peace by sponsoring terror globally. With the ultimate weapon that it is deceptively developing, the regime aims to gain hegemony over the entire Middle East and hold the world's economy hostage.