Negotiating in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
Dean AchesonRead
I doubt very much if a man whose main literary interests were in works by Mr. Zane Grey, admirable as they may be, is particularly equipped to be the chief executive of this country, particularly where Indian Affairs are concerned.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literary interests may influence a person's ability to govern effectively, especially on specific issues like Indian Affairs.
In this quote, Dean Acheson suggests that one's literary preferences, particularly in the context of leadership roles, can reflect their preparedness and capability to handle important matters, such as Indian Affairs. The implication is that an appreciation for certain types of literature may not provide the depth of understanding required for the complexities of governance, indicating that leaders should be well-rounded and knowledgeable in various areas of culture and politics.
Themes
LiteratureLeadershipGovernanceUnderstandingPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on leadership, one might mention Acheson's quote to discuss the impact of personal interests on professional responsibilities.
More from Dean Acheson
All quotes →The great corrupter of public man is the ego. Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem.
Dean AchesonRead
The manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
Dean AchesonRead
Negotiation in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
Dean AchesonRead
No people in history have ever survived who thought they could protect their freedom by making themselves inoffensive to their enemies.
Dean AchesonRead
I learned from the example of my father that the manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
Dean AchesonRead
Similar quotes
I want to reform the tax code so that it's simple, fair, and asks the wealthiest households to pay higher taxes on incomes over $250,000 - the same rate we had when Bill Clinton was president; the same rate we had when our economy created nearly 23 million new jobs, the biggest surplus in history, and a lot of millionaires to boot.
Barack ObamaRead
REPRESENTATIVE, n. In national politics, a member of the Lower House in this world, and without discernible hope of promotion in the next.
Ambrose BierceRead
Traitors who prevail are patriots; usurpers who succeed are divine emperors.
Gore VidalRead
Few businessmen are capable of being in politics, they don't understand the democratic process, they have neither the tolerance or the depth it takes. Democracy isn't a business.
Malcolm ForbesRead
Terrorism doesn't just blow up buildings; it blasts every other issue off the political map. The spectre of terrorism - real and exaggerated - has become a shield of impunity, protecting governments around the world from scrutiny for their human rights abuses.
Naomi KleinRead
The press is supposed to serve as a check on government.
John LewisRead