The problem with elections is that anybody who wants an…
“The problem with elections is that anybody who wants an office badly enough to run for it probably shouldn’t have it. And anybody who does not want an office badly enough to run for it probably shouldn’t have it, either. Government office should be received like a child’s Christmas present, with surprise and delight. Instead it is usually received like a diploma, an anticlimax that never seems worth the struggle to earn it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Political ambition often leads to unsuitable leaders; desire for power can outweigh qualification, making office feel like a burden rather than a privilege.
In simple terms: People seeking office may be unfit; office should be a joyful surprise, not a grim duty.
Key Takeaway
Choose leaders for service, not personal ambition.
Themes
leadership
politics
ambition
service
disillusionment
Mood
cynical
reflective
critical
Type
advice
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- campaigns
- government appointments
- public service
- political reform
Key Concepts
Meritocracy
public trust
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities truly qualify someone for public office?
- How can we ensure office is a service, not a prize?
A Different Perspective
Desire for office can corrupt intentions and reduce effectiveness.