Doe Quote by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr
“What higher obligation does a President have than to explain his intentions to the people and persuade them that the direction he wishes to go is right?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Presidential Responsibility, 1961
A president’s highest duty is to clearly explain his goals and convince the public that his chosen direction is correct.
In simple terms: Presidents must explain and persuade.
Communicate vision clearly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- policy announcements
- public debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance honesty with persuasion?
- What if the public disagrees?
Persuasion may conflict with transparency.