Every man who takes office in Washington either grows or…
“Every man who takes office in Washington either grows or swells, and when I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is growing or swelling.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He observes that power can either foster growth or cause corruption, and he monitors officials for these signs.
In simple terms: Power can help or corrupt; watch leaders.
Key Takeaway
Assess leaders for growth versus self‑interest.
Themes
politics
leadership
integrity
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
critical
When to use this quote
- government appointments
- policy making
- public oversight
Key Concepts
Political theory
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tell if a leader is growing or swelling?
- What safeguards prevent power from corrupting?
A Different Perspective
Growth may be hidden behind rhetoric; difficult to measure objectively.