One cannot take up a leading article in even the foremost papers dealing with foreign relations, without finding it assumed that European governments have the instincts of savages and the foresight of cattle-lifters. Are we to assume that the governments of the world, which presumably are directed by men as farsighted as bankers, are permanently to fall below the banker in their conception of enlightened self-interest?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Foreign policy articles assume governments act like savages, yet they are led by rational men.
- In plain terms
- People think leaders act like animals, but they are smart humans like bankers.
- What can you take from it?
- Governments are led by rational people.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we assume leaders lack foresight?
- Are governments truly acting on self-interest?
Another view
Rational leaders may still make irrational collective decisions.
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