John Kenneth Galbraith
The Quote in Other Words
Politics involves the skill of selecting between unfavorable options that are either catastrophic or unpleasant.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the difficult nature of politics, where leaders are often forced to make tough decisions between options that are far from ideal. The word “disastrous” suggests that some choices could have catastrophic consequences, while “unpalatable” implies that other options may be distasteful or unpopular. The art of politics lies in navigating these difficult choices and finding the best possible outcome for the greater good. This quote also suggests that there may not always be a clear-cut solution to political problems, and that leaders must be willing to make tough decisions even if they are not popular. Ultimately, politics requires a delicate balance between pragmatism and idealism, and the ability to choose between the lesser of two evils.