When it comes to politics, one has to do as one [does] at sea with a sailing ship... reach one's course having regard to prevailing winds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Politics requires adapting your course to the current situation like a sailor uses wind.
- In plain terms
- Adjust your plans to match reality.
- What can you take from it?
- Be flexible in navigating complex systems.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did you have to adjust course?
- How do you balance flexibility and principles?
Another view
Constant adaptation can look like lack of principle.
More from William Lyon Mackenzie King
If some countries have too much history, we have too much geography.
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Permalink to quote #5 Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talks of …
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