I am not liked as a President by the politicians in office, in the press, or in Congress. But I am content to abide the judgment - the sober second thought - of the people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Hayes accepts that officials and the press dislike him but trusts the people will judge him fairly later. He values long-term public opinion over immediate political approval.
- In plain terms
- I may not be popular now, but I trust the people will understand my actions later.
- What can you take from it?
- Public judgment is more important than political approval.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure success?
- Who decides your worth?
Another view
Public opinion can also be volatile or misinformed.
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