Journalism still, in a democracy, is the essential force to get the public educated and mobilized to take action on behalf of our ancient ideals.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
Once a president gets to the White House, the only audience that is left that really matters is history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The true significance of a president's actions is judged by history rather than immediate public opinion.
This quote emphasizes the importance of legacy and long-term impact in leadership, particularly for presidents. It suggests that while a president may be influenced by current events and public perception while in office, ultimately, it is how they are remembered by history that holds the greatest significance, highlighting the weight of their decisions on future generations.
Themes
PresidentHistoryLeadershipLegacyPublic Opinion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about leadership qualities at a conference.
More from Doris Kearns Goodwin
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That is what leadership is all about: staking your ground ahead of where opinion is and convincing people, not simply following the popular opinion of the moment.
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I am a historian. With the exception of being a wife and mother, it is who I am. And there is nothing I take more seriously.
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Obama does seem to have what both FDR and Lincoln had, which is the recognition that you have to hold back at times and then wait to come forward.
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Those who knew Lincoln described him as an extraordinarily funny man. Humor was an essential aspect of his temperament. He laughed, he explained, so he did not weep.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
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