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.
Stand not too near the rich man lest he destroy thee - and not too far away lest he forget thee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns about maintaining a balance in relationships with wealthy individuals, avoiding both excessive closeness and distance.
Aneurin Bevan's quote emphasizes the importance of moderation in our connections with rich individuals. It suggests that being too close to the wealthy may lead to negative influences or expectations, while being too distant may result in being overlooked or forgotten. This balance is crucial for maintaining one's values and ensuring reciprocal recognition in relationships.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about maintaining integrity in business relationships, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of balance with influential individuals.
More from Aneurin Bevan
All quotes βIt is an axiom, enforced by all the experience of the ages, that they who rule industrially will rule politically.
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.
There can be no immaculate conception of socialism.
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