"Men who are engaged in public life must necessarily aim at reducing opposition to a minimum, and one of the most obvious means to that end is by misrepresenting, discrediting or ruining their opponents."
"A wise politician will never grudge a genuflexion or a rapture if it is expected of him by prevalent opinion."
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Source: 'The Endless Adventure' (1930) vol. 1, pt. 1, ch. 20
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"It is true that the politician, in his professional character, does not always, or even very often, conform to the most approved pattern of private conduct."
"In taking stock of a politician, the first question is not whether he was a good man who used righteous means, but whether he was successful in gaining power, in keeping it, and in governing; whether, in short, he was skilful at his particular craft or a bungler."
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