When a politician is in opposition he is an expert on the means to some end; and when he is in office he is an expert on the obstacles to it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politicians focus on means when opposing and obstacles when governing.
- In plain terms
- Opposition leaders talk about solutions while leaders talk about problems.
- What can you take from it?
- Political power shifts focus from solutions to barriers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do politicians shift focus?
- How to keep goals in mind?
Another view
Good leaders might focus on solutions in office.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
All government is an ugly necessity.
Permalink to quote #31 It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged.
Permalink to quote #33 To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.
Permalink to quote #30
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