Life is not a static thing. The only people who do not change their minds are incompetents in asylums, and those in cemeteries.
Everett DirksenRead
When a member of the House moves over to the Senate, he raises the IQ of both bodies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously suggests that when a person of intelligence moves from one legislative body to another, both institutions benefit intellectually.
Everett Dirksen's quote playfully illustrates the dynamics of legislative bodies by implying that the transfer of a single skilled individual can enhance the overall intellect of both the House and the Senate. This not only highlights the value of intelligent leadership within government but also uses humor to reflect on the perceived quality of the members in each chamber.
Themes
IntelligenceGovernmentHumorLeadershipPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of intelligent leadership in politics.
More from Everett Dirksen
All quotes βDuring a political campaign everyone is concerned with what a candidate will do on this or that question if he is elected except the candidate; he's too busy wondering what he'll do if he isn't elected.
Everett DirksenRead
I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.
Everett DirksenRead
There is no force so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
Everett DirksenRead
Similar quotes
I do not have a psychiatrist and I do not want one, for the simple reason that if he listened to me long enough, he might become disturbed.
James ThurberRead
I have ten commandments. The first nine are, thou shalt not bore. The tenth is, thou shalt have right of final cut.
Billy WilderRead
Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and laughter abundant.
Washington IrvingRead
When someone pitches a joke for a character that is just perfect, and you can imagine that actor reading that line at your table read or on the set, it's like the sound of a snap snapping into place.
Michael SchurRead
It occurred to me that eating is the only form of professionalism most people ever attain.
Don DelilloRead
People are generally amazed that I would take an interest in any forum that would require me to stop talking for three hours.
Henry KissingerRead