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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker focuses on policies and actions rather than the personalities behind them. Success depends on the measures taken, not the individuals.
In plain terms
Judge actions and plans, not the people proposing them.
What can you take from it?
Focus on policies and outcomes rather than personal charm.

Where it applies

  • voting decisions
  • hiring
  • evaluating proposals

Putting it to work

  • review track records
  • assess plans
  • ignore charisma

Questions to consider

  • Can policy exist without human bias?
  • Should you judge a leader by their character or their plans?

Another view

People often matter because leadership requires trust in individuals, not just policies.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. Silence gives consent.

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  2. The bashful virgin's sidelong looks of love, The matron's glance that would those looks reprove.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. Friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals; love, an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves.

    Permalink to quote #47

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