Politicians Quote by Bertrand Russell
““The skill of the politician consists in guessing what people can be brought to think advantageous to themselves; the skill of the experts consists in calculating what really is advantageous, provided people can be brought to think so. (The proviso is essential, because measures which arouse serious resentment are seldom advantageous, whatever merits they may have otherwise.) The power of the politician, in a democracy, depends upon his adopting the opinions which seem right to the average man. It is useless to urge that politicians ought to be high-minded enough to advocate what enlightened opinion considers good, because if they do they are swept aside for others.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell, 1930
Politicians tailor messages to popular opinion, while experts focus on objective benefit, but popular resentment can limit effective policies.
In simple terms: Politicians chase popular opinion; experts seek true benefit
Key Takeaway
Balance popular appeal with expert insight
Themes
politics
expertise
public opinion
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- public education
- advocacy
- ethical governance
Key Concepts
democratic theory
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can experts communicate benefits without causing backlash?
- When should politicians prioritize popular will over expert advice?
A Different Perspective
Popular resentment can block beneficial measures
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
