Words to politic by

I have always had a special place in my heart (or is that brain?) for quotes, maxims and epigrams that define or condense complex political thoughts into easy-to-understand statements. They become handy reminders to prompt better actions or decisions - always a challenge in this crazy, mixed-up world.

The sayings that "a stitch in time saves nine" or "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" really does remind me that timely action is better than acting after-the-fact. I believe that every decision-maker should take this principle to heart, especially at budget time.

But here are a few sayings that I believe are very pertinent to the world of politics. Not surprisingly, they were made by politicians.

"I try to keep my words soft and tender. I never know which ones I will have to eat." - Lyndon Baines Johnson

Also by LBJ:

 "I never got into trouble for something I never said."

Some other favourites:

"The hardest thing about politics is winning without proving yourself unworthy of victory." - Adlai Stephenson

"We do not need leaders who will serve, but servants who will lead." - Anon. 

"The past is less important than the future." - Pierre Elliott Trudeau

"I've been called worse things by better people." - Trudeau

"It's not a crisis until I say so." - Jean Chretien.

"Governing a state is like frying a small fish; it should be done with a light touch." - Chinese proverb

Of course, no writer on political sayings can ignore Winston Churchill.

"A fanatic is someone who can't change their mind and won't change the topic."

"However beautiful the strategy, you should occassionally look at the results."