--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A statesman is he who thinks in the…" description: "\"A statesman is he who thinks in the future generations, and a politician is he who thinks in the upcoming elections.\" — Abraham Lincoln" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a28/abraham-lincoln-88_democracy_a-statesman-is-he-who-thinks-in-the-futu_1138393.png" --- # A statesman is he who thinks in the future generations… ![“A statesman is he who thinks in the future generations, and a politician is he who thinks in the upcoming elections.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a28/abraham-lincoln-88_democracy_a-statesman-is-he-who-thinks-in-the-futu_1138393.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a28/abraham-lincoln-88_democracy_a-statesman-is-he-who-thinks-in-the-futu_1138393.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a28/abraham-lincoln-88_democracy_a-statesman-is-he-who-thinks-in-the-futu_1138393.png) > “A statesman is he who thinks in the future generations, and a politician is he who thinks in the upcoming elections.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Leaders think long‑term, while politicians focus on short‑term gains. **In simple terms:** Leaders plan for future; politicians chase elections. Key Takeaway Prioritize lasting impact over short wins. Themes leadership politics future planning Mood inspirational thoughtful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - policy making - campaign strategy - community projects Key Concepts ethics public service Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance future vision with present needs? - What sacrifices are needed for lasting change? A Different Perspective Short‑term focus can yield quick benefits. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Election](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/election/) [Future generation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/future-generation/) [Generations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generations/) [Generations Politician](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generations-politician-3162636/) [Politician](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politician/) [Politician Thinks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politician-thinks-247509/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Statesman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/statesman/) [Statesman Thinks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/statesman-thinks-247508/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Thinks Future](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinks-future-3162637/) [Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trump/) ## Related quotes > [A politician thinks about the next elections - the statesman thinks about the next generations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-freeman/a-politician-thinks-about-the-next-elections-the-statesman-thinks/) [James Freeman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-freeman/) > [“A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-freeman-clarke/a-politician-thinks-of-the-next-election-a-statesman-thinks-of-the/) [James Freeman Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-freeman-clarke/) > [The opportunist thinks of me and today. The statesman thinks of us and tomorrow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-d-eisenhower/the-opportunist-thinks-of-me-and-today-the-statesman-thinks-of-us-and/) [Dwight D. Eisenhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwight-d-eisenhower/) > [I do care what my daughter thinks and what the future generation of whoever is down the line will think.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-isaac-chung/i-do-care-what-my-daughter-thinks-and-what-the-future-generation-of/) [Lee Isaac Chung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-isaac-chung/) > [“A great statesman thinks several times, and acts; a young lady acts, and thinks several times.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hardy/a-great-statesman-thinks-several-times-and-acts-a-young-lady-acts-and/) [Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hardy/) > [Every parent like me thinks about the future. 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