Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politicians often speak insincerely, so they are shocked when people believe them literally.
- In plain terms
- Politicians lie for, so they are surprised when taken seriously.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect rhetoric to differ from reality in politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do you believe public promises?
- What signals indicate insincerity?
Another view
Some politicians do mean what they say.
More from Charles de Gaulle
Brazil is not a serious country.
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