Men can have friends, statesmen cannot.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Asserting that state leaders cannot afford personal friendships due to duty.
- In plain terms
- Statesmen can not be friends due to their role.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership requires detachment from personal ties.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can leaders have friends?
- What sacrifices does leadership demand?
Another view
It denies leaders' humanity and support systems.
More from Charles de Gaulle
I am not ill. But do not worry, one day, I will certainly die.
Permalink to quote #14 The future does not belong to men...
Permalink to quote #16 How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?
Permalink to quote #13
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