When your outgo exceeds your income, the upshot may be your downfall.
The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy, and a gentleman. And, of course, he'd have to be a genius... For he will have to feed a family on a policeman's salary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the multifaceted role of a policeman, highlighting the diverse skills and qualities required for the job amidst financial challenges.
In this quote, Paul Harvey illustrates the complex and demanding nature of police work, which goes beyond mere law enforcement. He notes that a good policeman embodies various roles such as a minister, social worker, diplomat, and gentleman, implying that the profession requires empathy, negotiation skills, toughness, and intelligence. Furthermore, the mention of needing to support a family on a policeman's salary underscores the societal challenges and the dedication required in this critical role.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a community meeting discussing law enforcement, this quote was used to highlight the complexities of police work.
More from Paul Harvey
All quotes →We've drifted away from being fishers of men to being keepers of the aquarium.
One vote. That's a big weapon you have there, Mister. In 1948, just one additional vote in each precinct would have elected Dewey. In 1960, one vote in each precinct in Illinois would have elected Nixon. One vote.
In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.
I've never seen a monument erected to a pessimist.
Oh, things always get better. Tomorrow will always be better. Just think about it . . . is there any time in history in which you'd rather live than now?
Similar quotes
The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot.
Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
If a President of the United States ever lied to the American people, he should resign.
To serve as prime minister while being too mindful of the approval rating is like serving as a prime minister on a roller coaster. What is important, I believe, is that I really act on promises that I make and leave results. Leave a track record and show that to the Japanese public, who will, at the end of the day, I hope, appreciate it.
Superior leaders get things done with very little motion. They impart instruction not through many words, but through a few deeds. They keep informed about everything but interfere hardly at all. They are catalysts, and though things would not get done as well if they were not there, when they succeed they take no credit. And, because they take no credit, credit never leaves them.
If approval was a criterion in this country, nothing would ever get done.