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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gandhi distinguishes her political pragmatism from her father's idealistic reputation.
In plain terms
She admits she is a politician, not a saint like her father.
What can you take from it?
Accept political reality over inherited idealism.

Where it applies

  • political leadership
  • family legacy
  • public perception

Putting it to work

  • owning political compromises
  • separating legacy from reality

Questions to consider

  • Can you be a good leader and a saint?
  • Do you inherit expectations?

Another view

It may overlook her own achievements beyond politics.

More from Indira Gandhi

  1. You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.

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  2. To be liberated, woman must feel free to be herself, not in rivalry to man but in the context of her own capacity and her personality.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. There are moments in history when brooding tragedy and its dark shadows can be lightened by recalling great moments of the past.

    Permalink to quote #4

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