Famous quote by Wendell Phillips

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Two kinds of men generally best succeed in political life men of no principle, but of great talent and men of no talent,
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"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"

- Wendell Phillips

About this Quote

Wendell Phillips' quote offers a negative yet informative commentary on the nature of success in political life. It suggests that politics is often an arena where personal ethics and ethical concepts may not always lead to success. Rather, Phillips identifies two archetypes that he thinks thrive in the political sphere.

The first type consists of "males of no concept, but of excellent talent." This suggests that individuals who are incredibly competent or skilled-- maybe in rhetoric, strategy, or adjustment-- can achieve political success even if they do not have a strong ethical compass or guiding concepts. Their skill permits them to navigate the political landscape successfully, leveraging their skills to acquire influence and power. This reflects an understanding that politics rewards shrewd, intelligence, and the capability to adapt, sometimes at the cost of stability.

The second type includes "males of no talent, however of one principle - that of obedience to their superiors." These people may do not have extraordinary skills or capabilities, however they are successful by sticking strictly to a single principle: commitment and obedience to those in greater positions of power. In this view, political success can be achieved through subservience and the capability to perform the will of more effective figures without question or resistance. This aligns with a hierarchical view of politics, where obedience becomes a valued characteristic that can compensate for a lack of individual talent or effort.

In general, Phillips' quote presents a rather downhearted view of political life, recommending that conventional virtues such as integrity and independent thought might not be the most direct paths to success. Rather, it highlights the practical, and at times, morally ambiguous paths-- talent devoid of principle and concept devoid of talent-- that can cause political ascendance. The quote welcomes reflection on the ethical dimensions of political success and challenges us to consider the qualities we worth in our leaders.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Wendell Phillips between November 29, 1811 and February 2, 1884. He/she was a famous Activist from USA. The author also have 32 other quotes.

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