Businessmen have a different set of delusions from…
“Businessmen have a different set of delusions from politicians; and need, therefore, different handling. They are, however, much milder than politicians, at the same time allured and terrified by the glare of publicity…You could do anything you like with them, if you would treat them (even the big ones) not as wolves and tigers, but as domestic animals by nature, even though they have been badly brought up and not trained as you would wish.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Businessmen and politicians have different delusions; each needs tailored management, treating businessmen as tame rather than wild
In simple terms: Treat businessmen with nuanced, less aggressive strategies than politicians
Apply softer, tailored management to business leaders
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- corporate governance
- policy making
- public relations
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of over‑taming business leaders?
- How do delusions differ between sectors?
Business leaders may still act unpredictably despite gentle handling