Famous quote by Stanley Baldwin

"A statesman wants courage and a statesman wants vision; but believe me, after six months' experience, he wants first, second, third and all the time - patience"

About this Quote

In this quote, Stanley Baldwin, a prominent British politician and three-time Prime Minister during the early 20th century, highlights the essential qualities required for effective statesmanship. Baldwin starts by acknowledging the typically acknowledged characteristics of a statesman: nerve and vision. Courage is needed for a leader to make challenging decisions and persevere in the face of opposition or adversity. This trait makes it possible for a statesman to guide the ship of state through unstable waters, frequently making undesirable choices for the greater good. Vision, on the other hand, is the foresight and strategic preparation needed to think of and pursue a long-term future that benefits society. Visionary leaders are those who chart new courses and influence others to follow by articulating a compelling and helpful direction for the neighborhood or nation.

However, Baldwin highlights that while courage and vision are essential, they might not be enough for withstanding success in political management. After gaining some experience in workplace, he argues that what a statesman needs above all else is perseverance. The repeated focus on patience--"first, second, third and all the time"-- highlights its critical value. Perseverance is the ability to sustain delays, obstacles, and even failures without losing willpower or enthusiasm. It includes the perseverance needed to see enthusiastic jobs through to conclusion, frequently over extended durations. This virtue enables a statesman to navigate the complex and slow-moving machinery of governance, where policies and reforms typically take some time to develop, implement, and flourish.

Baldwin's persistence on persistence recommends that effective governance is not just about having bold concepts or the courage to execute them; it needs the progressive and persistent effort to bring those ideas to fruition. In the continuously shifting landscape of politics, persistence serves as the supporting force that enables a leader to keep focus and composure in spite of the inescapable difficulties that occur. This insight resonates with the reality that transformative change is hardly ever accomplished overnight however through sustained, patient effort.

About the Author

Stanley Baldwin This quote is written / told by Stanley Baldwin between August 3, 1867 and December 14, 1947. He was a famous Statesman from United Kingdom. The author also have 11 other quotes.
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