I have lived long enough in the world, Sir, . . . to know…
“I have lived long enough in the world, Sir, . . . to know that the safety of a minister lies in his having the approbation of this House. Former ministers, Sir, neglected this, and therefore they fell; I have always made it my first study to obtain it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A minister’s security depends on gaining the House’s approval; neglecting this leads to downfall, so seeking support is essential.
In simple terms: Ministers need House approval to stay safe.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize building legislative support.
Themes
politics
leadership
legitimacy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
strategic
historical
When to use this quote
- policy proposals
- coalition building
- confidence votes
Key Concepts
political theory
institutional trust
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies ensure lasting political stability?
- How do you balance approval with independent judgment?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on approval may ignore other power bases.