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There was one man in the Labour government, Robin Cook, whom I had a very high regard for. He had the courage to speak out and to resign over Iraq. He was an admirable man. But resignation over a matter of principle is not a very fashionable thing in our society.
Harold Pinter
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the rarity of principled resignation in society.

Harold Pinter reflects on Robin Cook's decision to resign from the Labour government in protest against the Iraq war, emphasizing the commendable courage it takes to stand by one’s principles. In a world where conformity often prevails, Cook's act of resignation serves as a reminder that upholding one’s values can be a challenging but noble pursuit, even if it is not widely accepted or appreciated in society.

Themes

CouragePrincipleResignationIntegrityPolitics

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a speech about ethical leadership in politics.

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