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About this quote

What does it mean?
Politics requires patience over raw intelligence or energy, suggesting long-term strategy wins over quick wins.
In plain terms
Patience is more important than intelligence in politics.
What can you take from it?
Success in politics comes from endurance and long-term thinking.

Where it applies

  • political strategy
  • career advice
  • long-term planning

Putting it to work

  • career planning
  • negotiation

Questions to consider

  • What traits are most important for political success?
  • Is patience a virtue in fast-moving environments?

Another view

It overlooks that intellect and stamina are also necessary components.

More from John Major

  1. The politician who never made a mistake never made a decision.

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  2. A soundbite never buttered any parsnips.

    Permalink to quote #25
  3. A consensus politician is someone who does something that he doesn't believe is right because it keeps people quiet when he does it.

    Permalink to quote #22

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