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About this quote

What does it mean?
Successful constitutional politicians often share common views but possess unique skills.
In plain terms
Good leaders agree with most people but have special skills.
What can you take from it?
Leadership requires skill more than unique opinions.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • leadership training
  • public office

Putting it to work

  • identifying leader traits
  • valuing consensus skills

Questions to consider

  • What makes a statesman effective?
  • Do you value ability over opinion?

Another view

Exceptional opinions sometimes drive change.

More from Walter Bagehot

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  3. The reason why so few good books are written is, that so few people that can write know anything. In general an author has always lived in a room, has read boo…

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