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My deepest feeling about politicians is that they are…

“My deepest feeling about politicians is that they are dangerous lunatics to be avoided when possible and carefully humored; people, above all, to whom one must never tell the truth.” quote by W. H. Auden
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“My deepest feeling about politicians is that they are dangerous lunatics to be avoided when possible and carefully humored; people, above all, to whom one must never tell the truth.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author warns that politicians are unpredictable and harmful, suggesting we keep distance and only engage with humor, never revealing truth.

In simple terms: Politicians are dangerous and must be handled cautiously.

Key Takeaway

Avoid, humor, never fully trust.

Themes

politics trust communication

Mood

skeptical wary

Type

cynical observational

When to use this quote

  • public discourse
  • personal interactions
  • media interviews
  • negotiations

Key Concepts

cynicism power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when to humor versus confront?
  • What are the risks of never telling truth?
A Different Perspective

Politicians can sometimes act responsibly, making blanket distrust risky.

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