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About this quote

What does it mean?
Politics rarely selects the best leaders since worthy individuals avoid power.
In plain terms
Good people usually do not seek political office.
What can you take from it?
Expect mediocrity in leadership by default.

Where it applies

  • voting decisions
  • leadership selection
  • political cynicism

Putting it to work

  • evaluating candidates
  • understanding governance
  • setting expectations

Questions to consider

  • Who should lead society?
  • Why do good people avoid power?

Another view

Some good leaders do enter politics for public service.

More from George MacDonald

  1. I find that doing the will of God leaves me with no time for disputing about His plans.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down.

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.

    Permalink to quote #27

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