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About this quote

What does it mean?
Political choices are made under stress. A treaty's long success proves its creators were wise.
In plain terms
Pressure accompanies political decisions, and lasting treaties validate the wisdom of those who wrote them.
What can you take from it?
Success over time validates political leadership.

Where it applies

  • treaty negotiations
  • policy review
  • historical assessment

Putting it to work

  • evaluate policy by results
  • assess leaders by outcomes

Questions to consider

  • How do we measure political wisdom?
  • Is success always proof of quality?

Another view

Short-term success does not guarantee long-term wisdom.

More from Herbert Fisher

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