If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe.
Many who think they are workers in politics are really merely tools.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that some individuals believe they are actively engaged in political work, while in reality, they are just being used by others for their own purposes.
Lord Salisbury's quote highlights the idea that many individuals in politics mistakenly perceive themselves as influential agents, when, in truth, they are manipulated or utilized by more powerful entities. This serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of self-awareness and the potential for individuals to become pawns in a larger political game, often stripping away their autonomy and agency.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political debate to highlight the lack of authenticity in some political actors.
More from Lord Salisbury
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Appeasement does not work. As was the case in the 1930s, we see in Saddam Hussein an aggressive dictator threatening his neighbors.
Populists and isolationists ignore the tangible benefits that have resulted from our active international role during the past half-century.
It doesn't matter where we begin the personal/political circle, but it matters desperately that we complete it.
The money in politics is a cash cow for the media.
Experience shows that when political governance and economic management diverge, overall development becomes unsustainable.
All the common people want is to be left alone. All the ordinary soldier wants is to collect his pay and not get killed. That's why the great forces of history can be manipulated by astonishingly small groups of determined people.