The reason for having diplomatic relations is not to confer a compliment, but to secure a convenience.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Diplomacy exists for practical benefits, not just to be nice.
- In plain terms
- Countries talk to get things done, not just to be polite.
- What can you take from it?
- Practicality drives international relations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the main goal of diplomacy?
- When is courtesy more important than utility?
Another view
Courtesy can still be an important goal.
More from Winston Churchill
The price of greatness is responsibility.
Permalink to quote #172 There, but for the grace of God, goes God.
Permalink to quote #174 The object of Parliament is to substitute argument for fisticuffs. (attributed to a House of Commons speech of 1951)
Permalink to quote #171
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