Danger Quote by Walter Lippmann
“The opposition is indispensable. A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, always learns more from his opponents than from his fervent supporters. For his supporters will push him to disaster unless his opponents show him where the dangers are. So if he is wise he will often pray to be delivered from his friends, because they will ruin him. But though it hurts, he ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Role of opposition in governance, 1945
He argues opponents are essential for a statesman to avoid folly and stay rational.
In simple terms: Opponents keep leaders from disaster.
Key Takeaway
Seek dissenting views to refine decisions.
Themes
politics
opposition
wisdom
leadership
critical thinking
risk management
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
strategic
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy making
- team leadership
- public debate
Key Concepts
political theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify healthy opposition?
- When should you trust allies over critics?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate constructive criticism from supporters.
![“Muhammad sets the model for being a good statesman. He also sets the model for being a good warrior, for chivalry, of nobility, of all the things which the Quran and Hadith [The recorded collections of the sayings and traditions of the Prophet] says of treating your enemy with dignity and kindness.” quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dda/seyyed-hossein-nasr-6182_chivalry_muhammad-sets-the-model-for-being-a-good_240170.jpg)
