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About this quote

What does it mean?
Accusation of copying opponents' ideas while claiming ownership.
In plain terms
Someone stole ideas from rivals and acts like he owns them.
What can you take from it?
Watch out for politicians adopting opposing views.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • campaigns
  • policy shifts

Putting it to work

  • track policy changes
  • compare statements

Questions to consider

  • Did they steal this idea?
  • Is consistency required?

Another view

Adapting ideas is common in politics and not always theft.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. It is knowledge that influences and equalises the social condition of man; that gives to all, however different their political position, passions which are in…

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  2. A Conservative government is an organized hypocrisy.

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  3. The noble lord is the Prince Rupert of parliamentary discussion: his charge is resistless, but when he returns from the pursuit he always finds his camp in the…

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