Justice Quote by Cornel West
“Reelection ought not to be the primary preoccupation of any politician. It ought to be standing up for truth and justice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture, 2015, United States
Politicians should prioritize truth and justice over personal re‑election ambitions.
In simple terms: Focus on justice, not personal power.
Key Takeaway
Serve truth, not self‑interest.
Themes
ethics
politics
leadership
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- community organizing
Key Concepts
public service
integrity
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can officials stay accountable to truth?
- What mechanisms ensure justice over ambition?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even well‑intentioned leaders.
![“You can't really move forward until you look back. [From Remaking America panel discussion at George Washington University]” quote by Cornel West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/273/cornel-west-708_george-w_you-can-t-really-move-forward-until-you_37313.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
