Activity Quote by Michael Ignatieff
“Public service does not necessarily mean service in the House of Commons, and public service is not synonymous with partisan political activity. It comes in a thousand colours, but the common denominator is: it's not about me - it's about we.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Service Address, Michael Ignatieff, 2015
Public service means serving the community, not pursuing personal or partisan goals; it is collaborative and self‑less.
In simple terms: Serving others, not self.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize collective good over personal ambition.
Themes
service
collaboration
selflessness
public good
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government work
- non‑profit leadership
- community organizing
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
civic duty
collective responsibility
nonpartisanship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your actions stay community‑focused?
- What structures support nonpartisan collaboration?
A Different Perspective
May be hard to balance personal convictions with nonpartisan expectations.
![“[I]n Great-Britain it is said that their constitution relies on the house of commons for honesty, and the lords for wisdom; whichwould be a rational reliance if honesty were to be bought with money, and if wisdom were hereditary.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/033/thomas-jefferson-43_britain_i-n-great-britain-it-is-said-that-their_143406.jpg)
