Sometimes I wonder if we shall ever grow up in our politics and say definite things which mean something, or whether we shall always go on using generalities to which everyone can subscribe, and which mean very little. (1 July 1940)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politics often lacks substance because people prefer vague statements that everyone can agree with instead of specific, meaningful positions.
- In plain terms
- We should stop using vague political words and start saying clear things that actually matter.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid empty generalities in political discourse.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you prefer safe generalities or risky specifics?
- What defines a meaningful political statement?
Another view
Sometimes generalities are necessary to build broad coalitions.
More from Eleanor Roosevelt
I have a great belief in spiritual force, but I think we have to realize that spiritual force alone has to have material force with it so long as we live in a …
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