A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.
Interpretation
Politicians focus on short-term goals, while statesmen prioritize long-term benefits for future generations.
This quote emphasizes the difference in perspective between politicians and statesmen. While politicians are often concerned with immediate electoral success and the issues that will help them win the next election, statesmen take a broader view, considering the long-lasting impact of their decisions on future generations. This mindset fosters a deeper sense of responsibility and ethical governance, which is essential for sustainable societal progress.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech discussing the importance of visionary leadership.
When I consider what some books have done for the world, and what they are doing, how they keep up our hope, awaken new courage and faith, soothe pain, give an ideal life those whose hours are cold and hard, bind together distant ages and foreign lands, create new worlds of beauty, bring down truth from heaven; I give eternal blessings for this gift, and thank God for books.
Needless to say, it was the greatest of privileges to serve with the selfless men and women - Iraqi and American and those of our coalition partners, civilian as well as military - who did the hard, dangerous work of the surge. There seldom was an easy period; each day was tough.
I think a number of the leaders are, whether you like it or not, in the hip-hop generation. And when they understand enough, they'll do wonders. I count on them.
It is important that an aim never be defined in terms of activity or methods. It must always relate directly to how life is better for everyone. . . . The aim of the system must be clear to everyone in the system. The aim must include plans for the future. The aim is a value judgment.
When we say that leadership is a choice, it basically means you can choose the level of initiative you want to exercise in response to the question, βWhat is the best I can do under the given circumstances?β
A great leader has the ability to instill within his people confidence in themselves.
You need to have good people: honourable, capable, committed in politics, standing in public office. It's not a guarantee, but it's the ideal we have to aim for.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.