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 →During 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.
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I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.
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There is no force so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
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