It is an axiom, enforced by all the experience of the ages, that they who rule industrially will rule politically.
I know that the right kind of leader for the Labour Party is a desiccated calculating machine who must not in any way permit himself to be swayed by indignation. If he sees suffering, privation or injustice he must not allow it to move him, for that would be evidence of the lack of proper education or of absence of self-control. He must speak in calm and objective accents and talk about a dying child in the same way as he would about the pieces inside an internal combustion engine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true leader must remain emotionally detached to effectively manage and address issues without being swayed by personal feelings.
Aneurin Bevan's quote emphasizes that effective leadership requires a level of emotional detachment. He argues that leaders, particularly in the context of political and social issues, should approach suffering and injustice with cold rationality and objectivity. This detachment is portrayed as a hallmark of proper education and self-control, suggesting that a leader's role is to analyze problems dispassionately, rather than to become emotionally overwhelmed by them.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing a policy issue, a politician might reference this quote to justify a rational and unemotional approach to governance.
More from Aneurin Bevan
All quotes →How can wealth persuade poverty to use its political freedom to keep wealth in power? Here lies the whole art of Conservative politics in the twentieth century.
He brings to the fierce struggle of politics the tepid enthusiasm of a lazy summer afternoon at a cricket match.
I have never regarded politics as the arena of morals. It is the arena of interest.
Stand not too near the rich man lest he destroy thee - and not too far away lest he forget thee.
There can be no immaculate conception of socialism.
Similar quotes
True basketball coaches are great teachers and you do not humiliate, you do not physically go after, you do not push or shove, you do not berate, if you are a true coach. If you humiliate or curse them, that won't do it. Coaches like that are not coaches.
You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the empire, which, as Prince of Wales and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve.
Throughout human history, people have developed strong loyalties to traditions, rituals, and symbols. In the most effective organizations, they are not only respected but celebrated. It is no coincidence that the most highly admired corporations are also among the most profitable.
We will take care of every single person in our society. That is our task.
A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.
The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?