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A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.
James Freeman Clarke
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Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

PoliticsLeadershipFutureGenerationsResponsibility

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech discussing the importance of visionary leadership.

More from James Freeman Clarke

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.
James Freeman ClarkeRead

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