Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
After half a century in the House of Commons, the speaker wants more time and freedom for politics.
In plain terms
I served 50 years in Parliament and now I want more freedom.
What can you take from it?
Veteran politicians may seek new freedom for political work.

Where it applies

  • career transitions
  • retirement plans
  • public service

Putting it to work

  • planning next steps
  • advocating for freedom
  • reflecting on service

Questions to consider

  • What comes after public service?
  • How much time is enough?

Another view

It does not specify what kind of freedom is needed.

More from Tony Benn

  1. Had a long talk to the Chinese First Secretary at the embassy - a very charming man called Liao Dong - and said how much I admired Mao Tse tung or Zedong, the …

    Permalink to quote #24
  2. [The Labour Party]'s never been a socialist party, but it's always had socialists in it, just as there are some Christians in the Church, it's an exact paralle…

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. If democracy is destroyed in Britain it will be not the communists, Trotskyists or subversives but this House which threw it away. The rights that are entruste…

    Permalink to quote #23

Related quotes

  1. Public life is regarded as the crown of a career, and to young men it is the worthiest ambition. Politics is still the greatest and the most honorable adventur…

    John BuchanJohn Buchan quote #7
  2. Being a politician is a poor profession. Being a public servant is a noble one.

    Herbert HooverHerbert Hoover quote #11
  3. I am heartily rejoiced that my term is so near its close. I will soon cease to be a servant and will become a sovereign.

    James K. PolkJames K. Polk quote #13