Attacking Quote by Aneurin Bevan
“I am not going to spend any time whatsoever in attacking the Foreign Secretary. If we complain about the tune, there is no reason to attack the monkey when the organ grinder is present.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary debate, 1945
The speaker warns against attacking minor issues when larger problems dominate, urging focus on the main source of trouble.
In simple terms: Don’t attack the small problem when the big one is present.
Key Takeaway
Target the root cause.
Themes
politics
strategy
focus
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- organizational change
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
systems thinking
political critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the “monkey” in your current challenge?
- How can you prioritize the main issue?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on minor details can distract from systemic change.
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