Negotiating in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
Dean AchesonRead
I doubt very much if a man whose main literary interests were in works by Mr. Zane Grey, admirable as they may be, is particularly equipped to be the chief executive of this country, particularly where Indian Affairs are concerned.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literary interests may influence a person's ability to govern effectively, especially on specific issues like Indian Affairs.
In this quote, Dean Acheson suggests that one's literary preferences, particularly in the context of leadership roles, can reflect their preparedness and capability to handle important matters, such as Indian Affairs. The implication is that an appreciation for certain types of literature may not provide the depth of understanding required for the complexities of governance, indicating that leaders should be well-rounded and knowledgeable in various areas of culture and politics.
Themes
LiteratureLeadershipGovernanceUnderstandingPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on leadership, one might mention Acheson's quote to discuss the impact of personal interests on professional responsibilities.
More from Dean Acheson
All quotes →The great corrupter of public man is the ego. Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem.
Dean AchesonRead
The manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
Dean AchesonRead
Negotiation in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
Dean AchesonRead
No people in history have ever survived who thought they could protect their freedom by making themselves inoffensive to their enemies.
Dean AchesonRead
I learned from the example of my father that the manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
Dean AchesonRead
Similar quotes
There are some militarists who say: ‘We are not interested in politics but only in the profession of arms.’ It is vital that these simple-minded militarists be made to realize the relationship that exists between politics and military affairs. Military action is a method used to attain a political goal. While military affairs and political affairs are not identical, it is impossible to isolate one from the other.
Mao ZedongRead
Part of the reason voter suppression works is we've created this culture that says you don't challenge the outcome of elections unless the act is so egregious as to be absolutely clear on its face.
Stacey AbramsRead
We the people tell the government what to do, it doesn't tell us.
Ronald ReaganRead
The proximate cause of Iraq's unraveling was the increasing authoritarian, sectarian, and corrupt conduct of the Iraqi government and its leader after the departure of the last U.S. combat forces in 2011.
David PetraeusRead
In handing over the Government of India to these so-called political classes, we are handing over to men of straw, of whom, in a few years, no trace will remain.
Winston ChurchillRead
If government were a product, selling it would be illegal.
P. J. O'RourkeRead