Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Two kinds of men generally best succeed in political life; men of no principle, but of great talent; and men of no talent, but of one principle - that of obedience to their superiors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that successful politicians often fall into two categories: skilled but unscrupulous or principled but lacking talent.
Wendell Phillips highlights a cynical view of political success, indicating that individuals who thrive in politics often do so by adhering strictly to two profiles: those who possess exceptional skill without ethics, and those who lack skill but are unwaveringly obedient to authority. This paints a rather bleak picture of the moral landscape in political arenas, implying that success is frequently not aligned with integrity or capability.
Themes
PoliticsSuccessPrincipleTalentObedience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be referenced in a political debate to highlight the ethical dilemmas leaders face.
More from Wendell Phillips
All quotes →Seldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
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If you want to be an orator, first get your great cause.
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Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people.
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Organize, and stand together. Claim something together, and at once; let the nation hear a united demand from the laboring voice, and then, when you have got that, go on after another; but get something.
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Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
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