Nixon is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump for a speech on conservation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stevenson satirizes a politician for contradicting their actions with their words on conservation.
- In plain terms
- Nixon cuts down trees then speaks about saving them.
- What can you take from it?
- Watch for politicians who act against their stated values.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you spot political hypocrisy?
- Does action always reveal intent?
Another view
The anecdote assumes the intent is hypocrisy rather than misunderstanding.
More from Adlai Stevenson
A politician is a statesman who approaches every question with an open mouth.
Permalink to quote #72 The Republicans stroke platitudes until they purr like epigrams.
Permalink to quote #74 After four years at the United Nations I sometimes yearn for the peace and tranquillity of a political convention.
Permalink to quote #71
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