"One cannot govern with 'buts'"

This quote by Charles de Gaulle is a suggestion that reliable governance requires definitive action. He is suggesting that a leader should not be reluctant or uncertain when making choices. Rather, they ought to be positive and decisive in their actions. By utilizing the word "buts", de Gaulle is referring to the propensity of some leaders to make excuses or to be indecisive. He is suggesting that a leader ought to not be swayed by excuses or second-guessing, but must rather take action and make choices with self-confidence.

De Gaulle's quote is a pointer that reliable governance needs a leader to be decisive and to act. It is inadequate to just discuss what requires to be done; a leader must be willing to do something about it and make choices. This quote is a reminder that a leader need to not be hesitant or uncertain when making choices, however should instead be confident and definitive in their actions.