Bridge Quote by James Clapper
“I do think - the metaphor I always use - it's the role of intelligence community to stay down in the engine room and shovel that intelligence coal, and people on the bridge get to decide where to drive the ship and how fast and how to arrange all the deckchairs.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Intelligence Community Briefing, 2018
Uses a ship metaphor to describe intelligence gathering as foundational work, while decision‑makers steer direction.
In simple terms: Intelligence provides data; leaders decide actions.
Key Takeaway
Support informed decision‑making with solid intelligence.
Themes
leadership
information
strategy
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
professional
educational
When to use this quote
- policy formulation
- crisis management
- military planning
- public communication
Key Concepts
national security
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can intelligence be better integrated into decisions?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of intelligence?
A Different Perspective
Leaders may ignore intelligence due to bias.
