--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I…" description: "\"I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I could say, 'I am the Speaker of the House of Commons,' and tell my children that.\" — John Bercow" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/john-bercow-19579_children_i-never-aspired-to-be-speaker-simply-so_281896.png" --- # I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I could say, 'I am… ![“I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I could say, 'I am the Speaker of the House of Commons,' and tell my children that.” quote by John Bercow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/john-bercow-19579_children_i-never-aspired-to-be-speaker-simply-so_281896.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/john-bercow-19579_children_i-never-aspired-to-be-speaker-simply-so_281896.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/john-bercow-19579_children_i-never-aspired-to-be-speaker-simply-so_281896.png) > “I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I could say, 'I am the Speaker of the House of Commons,' and tell my children that.” [John Bercow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bercow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Clarifies that his role as Speaker was not pursued for personal prestige but for public service. **In simple terms:** Rejects personal ambition in political role. Key Takeaway Serve with humility and purpose. Themes politics service humility Mood reflective serious Type political leadership When to use this quote - government meetings - public speaking - leadership training Key Concepts public duty leadership ethics Questions to Reflect On - How can leaders stay grounded in service? - What motivates you beyond titles? A Different Perspective May overlook systemic challenges of political office. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) ## Related quotes > [Let me just say as one who has been speaker of the House, I've had to have a very thick skin about every kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pelosi/let-me-just-say-as-one-who-has-been-speaker-of-the-house-i-ve-had-to/) [Nancy Pelosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pelosi/) > [If you asked me if I'd rather be Speaker or a very senior minister, I'd say Speaker.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bercow/if-you-asked-me-if-i-d-rather-be-speaker-or-a-very-senior-minister-i/) [John Bercow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bercow/) > [Having five children in six years is the best training in the world for Speaker of the House.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pelosi/having-five-children-in-six-years-is-the-best-training-in-the-world/) [Nancy Pelosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pelosi/) > [Well, it looks like John Boehner will be the new Speaker of the House. 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