Quotes Library

February 24, 2025

They are wrong who think that politics is like an ocean voyage or a military campaign, or something to be done with some particular end in view, something which leaves off as soon as the end is reached. It is a way of life. It is the life of a domesticated political and social creature who is born with a love for public life, with a desire for honor, with a feeling for his fellows, and it lasts as long as need be.

Plutarch (46–119 AD), Greek philosopher, biographer, Lives

How many of these domesticated political and social creatures do you run across on an average day? If a colleague were asked that question, would she count you in that (very small?) crowd?

Truer words were never spoken. While most voters seek to elect a crusader for their causes, what voters should be on the lookout for people who are process-oriented, who understand how work gets done in the political arena and who enjoy the doing and the achieving.


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Gratitude is not a normal feature of political life.
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