--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It takes courage to set priorities…" description: "\"It takes courage to set priorities because doing so is an admission that American policy cannot be all things to all people - or rather to all interest..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c5/condoleezza-rice-807_admission_it-takes-courage-to-set-priorities-becau_2685225.jpg" --- # It takes courage to set priorities because doing so is an… ![“It takes courage to set priorities because doing so is an admission that American policy cannot be all things to all people - or rather to all interest groups” quote by Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c5/condoleezza-rice-807_admission_it-takes-courage-to-set-priorities-becau_2685225.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c5/condoleezza-rice-807_admission_it-takes-courage-to-set-priorities-becau_2685225.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c5/condoleezza-rice-807_admission_it-takes-courage-to-set-priorities-becau_2685225.jpg) > “It takes courage to set priorities because doing so is an admission that American policy cannot be all things to all people - or rather to all interest groups” [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Prioritizing requires acknowledging that a single policy cannot satisfy every group, emphasizing realistic limits. **In simple terms:** Choosing priorities means accepting limits of policy reach. Key Takeaway Focus on realistic goals, not universal solutions. Themes policy priorities limitations governance interest groups Mood reflective analytical Type policy philosophical When to use this quote - Government decision making - budget allocation - legislative negotiations Key Concepts Political realism policy trade-offs strategic focus Questions to Reflect On - Which priorities should be set first? - How to balance diverse interests? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on limits can stifle innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Admission](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/admission/) [All things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/all-things/) [American Policy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-policy-445677/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Groups](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/groups/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Interest groups](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest-groups/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Policy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/policy/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Priorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priorities/) [Priorities Doing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priorities-doing-2612822/) [Set Priorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/set-priorities-306420/) [Takes Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/takes-courage/) ## Related quotes > [In all planing you make a list and you set priorities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-lakein/in-all-planing-you-make-a-list-and-you-set-priorities/) [Alan Lakein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-lakein/) > [Deadlines aren't bad. They help you organize your time. They help you set priorities. They make you get going when you might not feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-mackay/deadlines-aren-t-bad-they-help-you-organize-your-time-they-help-you/) [Harvey Mackay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-mackay/) > [To succeed today, you have to set priorities, decide what you stand for.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-iacocca/to-succeed-today-you-have-to-set-priorities-decide-what-you-stand-for/) [Lee Iacocca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-iacocca/) > [The moment you say, 'I want to do a role,' the story suffers. I don't set priorities in terms of roles or scripts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boman-irani/the-moment-you-say-i-want-to-do-a-role-the-story-suffers-i-don-t-set/) [Boman Irani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boman-irani/) > [My routine is really based around my kids, and I try not to hold myself to a schedule, because it is always changing. What…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trista-sutter/my-routine-is-really-based-around-my-kids-and-i-try-not-to-hold/) [Trista Sutter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trista-sutter/) > [I think what's been lacking from our discussion for a long time is really that other part of what a Budget chair does, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patty-murray/i-think-what-s-been-lacking-from-our-discussion-for-a-long-time-is/) [Patty Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patty-murray/) > [“When we strive to set our own priorities, however — when we put God way down the list — we miss out on a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stovall-weems/when-we-strive-to-set-our-own-priorities-however-when-we-put-god-way/) [Stovall Weems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stovall-weems/) > [In all planning you make a list and you set priorities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-lakein/in-all-planning-you-make-a-list-and-you-set-priorities/) [Alan Lakein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-lakein/) > [No business can do everything. Even if it has the money, it will never have enough good people. It has to set priorities. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-drucker/no-business-can-do-everything-even-if-it-has-the-money-it-will-never/) [Peter Drucker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-drucker/) > [The best way to simplify life is to set your priorities straight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/the-best-way-to-simplify-life-is-to-set-your-priorities-straight/) [Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/) > [“At this age, all we need to do is to "WAIT" in our love life. Set your priorities, Endeavor your goals!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marielle-arias-cleofe/at-this-age-all-we-need-to-do-is-to-wait-in-our-love-life-set-your/) [Marielle Arias Cleofe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marielle-arias-cleofe/) > [Yes, you can have it all, but not all at the same time. Set your own priorities, trust your gut and follow your heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/quentin-bryce/yes-you-can-have-it-all-but-not-all-at-the-same-time-set-your-own/) [Quentin Bryce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/quentin-bryce/) > [“Leaders know how to set priorities. They focus on the task that requires the most rapid attention.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/leaders-know-how-to-set-priorities-they-focus-on-the-task-that/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [Set your Priorities right. Set aside your fright. Set your eye on The Light. Get set! Fight the good fight. Get up and fight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abegunde-sunday-o/set-your-priorities-right-set-aside-your-fright-set-your-eye-on-the/) [Abegunde Sunday O](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abegunde-sunday-o/) > [“We are forced to make choices and set priorities, but being very conscientious, HSPs often put themselves last. Or at least we give ourselves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elaine-n-aron/we-are-forced-to-make-choices-and-set-priorities-but-being-very/) [Elaine N. Aron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elaine-n-aron/) ## More by Condoleezza Rice > [The Iranian people have a proud past. They merit a great future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/the-iranian-people-have-a-proud-past-they-merit-a-great-future/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [It has been hard to muster the resources to support fledgling democracies and to intervene on behalf of the most desperate. The AIDS orphans…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/it-has-been-hard-to-muster-the-resources-to-support-fledgling/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [We can't live true to our set of values unless American educational system is strong. I really believe that if we don't get that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/we-can-t-live-true-to-our-set-of-values-unless-american-educational/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I remember at the time of 9/11 that there were women who went out of their way to escort Muslim women to grocery stores…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-remember-at-the-time-of-9-11-that-there-were-women-who-went-out-of/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [The first step for a leader is to be right with yourself. Integrity is the basis of leadership.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/the-first-step-for-a-leader-is-to-be-right-with-yourself-integrity-is/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [A lot is being done to bring additional protective measures, particularly the critical infrastructure locations around the United States, ... There is a very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/a-lot-is-being-done-to-bring-additional-protective-measures/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [You cannot be on one hand dedicated to peace and on the other dedicated to violence. Those two things are irreconcilable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/you-cannot-be-on-one-hand-dedicated-to-peace-and-on-the-other/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I'm not personally fearful, but I look out, and there are a number of things that concern me, and I'm hopeful that we can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-m-not-personally-fearful-but-i-look-out-and-there-are-a-number-of/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [ \[I'm\] very fortunate and blessed person who still has a lot of living to do. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-m-very-fortunate-and-blessed-person-who-still-has-a-lot-of-living/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [Football is like war. It's about taking territory.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/football-is-like-war-it-s-about-taking-territory/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I think there are plenty of men out there who are capable and accomplished in their own realm. You don't have to be in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-think-there-are-plenty-of-men-out-there-who-are-capable-and/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I've always said as a political scientist that "culture" is what we use when we can't explain things. I think it's more about accessibility.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-ve-always-said-as-a-political-scientist-that-culture-is-what-we-use/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I believed Afghanistan was always going to be hard. It's the fifth poorest country in the world. And when you fly over it, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-believed-afghanistan-was-always-going-to-be-hard-it-s-the-fifth/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [I'm very glad my mother didn't let me quit piano lessons at age 10. She said I wasn't old enough or good enough to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/i-m-very-glad-my-mother-didn-t-let-me-quit-piano-lessons-at-age-10/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) > [The idea the president of the United States was warned that Al-Qaeda was going to attack the United States and did nothing about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/condoleezza-rice/the-idea-the-president-of-the-united-states-was-warned-that-al-qaeda/) [Condoleezza Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) [Explore all 365 Condoleezza Rice quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/condoleezza-rice/) ## More Admission quotes > [I wonder how long it would take him to realize I'm right as sin - it's the rest of the world that's wrong. I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellen-hopkins/i-wonder-how-long-it-would-take-him-to-realize-i-m-right-as-sin-it-s/) [Ellen Hopkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-hopkins/) > [In Hollywood, not to have an analyst is virtually an admission of failure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-vanderbilt/in-hollywood-not-to-have-an-analyst-is-virtually-an-admission-of/) [Amy Vanderbilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-vanderbilt/) > [Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/pride-is-an-admission-of-weakness-it-secretly-fears-all-competition/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [Do you trust me? The question is usually asked before an admission that such trust is misplaced.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-j-watson/do-you-trust-me-the-question-is-usually-asked-before-an-admission/) [S.J. Watson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-j-watson/) > [Strong men don't compromise, it is said, and principles should never be compromised.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-carnegie/strong-men-don-t-compromise-it-is-said-and-principles-should-never-be/) [Andrew Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-carnegie/) > [Silly ideas, worth the admission price in smiles, but they're true. Is high-energy physics interesting because it's true or because it's crazy?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-bach/silly-ideas-worth-the-admission-price-in-smiles-but-they-re-true-is/) [Richard Bach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-bach/) > [He's the kind of player that is worth the price of admission.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-feaster/he-s-the-kind-of-player-that-is-worth-the-price-of-admission/) [Jay Feaster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-feaster/) > [However, I had a chance encounter with an admissions officer of Stevens Institute of Technology, who so impressed me by his erudition and enthusiasm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-reines/however-i-had-a-chance-encounter-with-an-admissions-officer-of/) [Frederick Reines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-reines/) > [African American children can't be educationally disadvantaged for 12 years and then experience a miracle cure when it comes time for admission into college.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chaka-fattah/african-american-children-can-t-be-educationally-disadvantaged-for-12/) [Chaka Fattah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chaka-fattah/) > [The interval allowed was only five minutes, at the end of which I resumed the lecture; but so refreshing was the effects of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-combe/the-interval-allowed-was-only-five-minutes-at-the-end-of-which-i/) [George Combe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-combe/) > [Look around. 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