Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politics is defined as self-interest disguised as principled debate. Public affairs serve private gain.
- In plain terms
- Politics is fighting for personal gain while pretending it is about principles.
- What can you take from it?
- Trust actions over political rhetoric.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives politicians?
- How do we spot hidden agendas?
Another view
Not all political engagement is purely self-serving.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Politeness , n. The most acceptable hypocrisy.
Permalink to quote #69 Pray, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy.
Permalink to quote #71 Philosophy, n. A route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing.
Permalink to quote #68
Related quotes
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
George WashingtonGeorge Washington quote #1 During the last 100 years, the House of Lords has never contributed one iota to popular liberties or popular freedom, or done anything to advance the common we…
Joseph ChamberlainJoseph Chamberlain quote #1 Nor is it any longer possible for you to give up this empire ... Your empire is now like a tyranny: it may have been wrong to take it; it is certainly dangerou…
PericlesPericles quote #1