There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress, as well as others, than I had any conception [of], before I became President of the U.S.
PoliticsLeadershipCongressDisillusionmentMoralitySelfishness
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The president realized Congress has more selfishness and less moral principle than expected.
- In plain terms
- Congress is more selfish and has fewer principles than I thought.
- What can you take from it?
- Political office often attracts self-interest over principle.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines political principle?
- How does power change people?
Another view
Selfishness exists in all institutions not just Congress.
More from James K. Polk
Thank God, under our Constitution there was no connection between church and state.
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Permalink to quote #10 The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the government. They …
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