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Wilson was a visionary who liked to identify himself with 'forward-looking man'; Harding ... was as old-fashioned as those wooden Indians which used to stand in front of cigar stores.... Wilson thought in terms of the whole world; Harding was for America first. And, finally, whereas Wilson wanted America to exert itself nobly, Harding wanted to give it a rest.

Frederick Lewis Allen#1

LeadershipPoliticsVision

About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilson focused globally; Harding focused nationally and rested.
In plain terms
Wilson thought globally while Harding prioritized America first.
What can you take from it?
Leaders have different global views.

Where it applies

  • studying history
  • comparing policies

Putting it to work

  • analyzing policies
  • understanding history

Questions to consider

  • How do leaders differ in vision?
  • What shapes policy?

Another view

Historical figures are complex beyond single political descriptors.

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