---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I believe that almost all politicians are…"
description: "\"I believe that almost all politicians are honest. For every bribed alderman there are hundreds of politicians, low paid or not paid at all, doing their..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/078/robert-a-heinlein-209_believe_i-believe-that-almost-all-politicians-ar_2344163.jpg"
---

#  I believe that almost all politicians are honest. For…

![“I believe that almost all politicians are honest. For every bribed alderman there are hundreds of politicians, low paid or not paid at all, doing their level best without thanks or glory to make our system work. If this were not true, we would never have gotten past the thirteen colonies.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/078/robert-a-heinlein-209_believe_i-believe-that-almost-all-politicians-ar_2344163.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/078/robert-a-heinlein-209_believe_i-believe-that-almost-all-politicians-ar_2344163.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/078/robert-a-heinlein-209_believe_i-believe-that-almost-all-politicians-ar_2344163.jpg)

> “I believe that almost all politicians are honest. For every bribed alderman there are hundreds of politicians, low paid or not paid at all, doing their level best without thanks or glory to make our system work. If this were not true, we would never have gotten past the thirteen colonies.”

[Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Most politicians act honestly despite systemic flaws; corruption is the exception, not the rule.

**In simple terms:** Many politicians are honest despite corruption.

Key Takeaway

Recognize integrity where it exists.

Themes

politics ethics systemic corruption honesty

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

- government work
- voting decisions
- policy debates
- activism

Key Concepts

public service moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- What evidence supports systemic honesty?
- How can we encourage ethical behavior?

A Different Perspective

Idealism may overlook widespread misconduct.

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