Unskilled in sophistry and new to the darker ways of national politics, Grover Cleveland faced his accusers, his slanderers, and his judges, the sovereign people, conscious of the general rectitude of his life, and courageously determined to bear the burdens of his sins in so far as guilt was his.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Cleveland describes facing public judgment with integrity despite lacking political sophistication.
- In plain terms
- He faced critics and voters honestly, knowing his life was generally right.
- What can you take from it?
- Face criticism with honesty and integrity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should leaders respond to slander?
- What defines a good public life?
Another view
Public perception often judges character by flaws, not general rectitude.
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