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
You don't like to see your guys take the field without you because it makes you feel like, man, maybe they really don't need me out there, which is kind of humbling.
Any government will work if authority and responsibility are equal and coordinate. This does not insure “good” government, it simply insures that it will work. But such governments are rare — most people want to run things, but want no part of the blame. This used to be called the “backseat driver” syndrome.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
We must always refill and ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who will keep seeding and building transforming movements.
It is impossible to imagine anything which better becomes a ruler than mercy.
One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.