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About this quote

What does it mean?
Governments often reject solutions initially but later desire what they previously refused.
In plain terms
Leaders sometimes say no to help they later wish they had accepted.
What can you take from it?
Avoid reflexive rejection of proposals you might need later.

Where it applies

  • political negotiations
  • policy debates
  • international relations

Putting it to work

  • review rejected proposals periodically
  • track changing priorities

Questions to consider

  • When have you changed your mind on a proposal?
  • How do you track rejected ideas?

Another view

This may overlook valid reasons for initial rejection.

More from Abba Eban

  1. The Jews are the living embodiment of the minority, the constant reminder of what duties societies owe their minorities, whoever they might be.

    Permalink to quote #14

  2. When I was first here, we had the advantages of the underdog. Now we have the disadvantages of the overdog.

    Permalink to quote #16

  3. Lest Arab governments be tempted out of sheer routine to rush into impulsive rejection, let me suggest that tragedy is not what men suffer but what they miss.

    Permalink to quote #13

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