Company Quote by Jay Gould
“It was the custom when men received nominations to come to me for contributions, and I made them and considered them good paying investments for the company. In a Republican district I was a strong Republican; in a Democratic district I was Democratic, and in doubtful districts I was doubtful. In politics I was an Erie Railroad man all the time.”
About This Quote
Source Historical anecdote: 19th‑century political patronage, 1880s
Flexibility in political affiliation can be a strategic tool for personal or corporate gain, adapting to local power structures.
In simple terms: Changing parties to suit interests.
Key Takeaway
Assess local political climate before aligning.
Themes
political strategy
adaptability
personal gain
Mood
cynical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- campaign contributions
- regional elections
Key Concepts
patronage
political opportunism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is flexibility a virtue or a vice?
- When does adaptation become manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Such opportunism can erode public trust.
![“We have to remember in that Bloomberg poll, strong Republican support for [Donald ]Trump's proposal, but the country at large - strong opposition to that support.” quote by Steve Inskeep](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/005/steve-inskeep-10882_country_we-have-to-remember-in-that-bloomberg-po_2934443.jpg)
![“I judge property myself by its net earning power; that is the only rule I have been able to get… This whole island [Manhattan] was once bought for a few strings of beads. But now you will find this property valued by its earning power, by its rent power, and that is the way to value a railroad or…” quote by Jay Gould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ad/jay-gould-41126_able_i-judge-property-myself-by-its-net-earni_1222079.jpg)
