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About this quote

What does it mean?
King avoided taking firm positions, preventing clear political sides from forming around him.
In plain terms
He took no sides, so no sides formed.
What can you take from it?
Avoiding commitment prevents clear political alignment.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • leadership critique

Putting it to work

  • evaluate leadership clarity
  • study political maneuvering

Questions to consider

  • Is neutrality a strength or weakness?
  • How do leaders maintain power?

Another view

It can be seen as indecision rather than strategy.

More from William Lyon Mackenzie King

  1. I believed the people had a true instinct in most matters of government when left alone. That they were not swayed, as specially favoured individuals were, by …

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  2. Do nothing by halves Which can be done by quarters.

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.

    Permalink to quote #6

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