Although the Senate is much given to admiring in its members a superiority less obvious or quite invisible to outsiders, one Senator seldom proclaims his own inferiority to another, and still more seldom likes to be told of it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politicians often think highly of themselves but dislike criticism or comparisons.
- In plain terms
- Senators like to feel superior but hate being told they are not.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect ego and defensiveness from powerful political figures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders resist criticism?
- How does ego affect policy?
Another view
Not all politicians are insecure or arrogant.
More from Henry Adams
Only on the edge of the grave can man conclude anything.
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