Politics, as the word is commonly understood, are nothing but corruptions, and consequently of no use to a good king or a good ministry; for which reason Courts are so overrun with politics.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Swift argues that conventional politics are inherently corrupt and useless for virtuous leaders, leading to their dominance in courts.
- In plain terms
- Politics as we know it is mostly corruption, so good rulers should avoid it.
- What can you take from it?
- Virtuous leaders should avoid corrupt political systems.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is politics inherently corrupt?
- Can good men work within bad systems?
Another view
Not all political engagement is corrupt.
More from Jonathan Swift
Positiveness is a good quality for preachers and orators, because he that would obtrude his thoughts and reasons upon a multitude, will convince others the mor…
Permalink to quote #48 Men are contented to be laughed at for their wit, but not for their folly.
Permalink to quote #50 The latter part of a wise man's life is taken up in curing the follies, prejudices, and false opinions he had contracted in the former.
Permalink to quote #47
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