“Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.”
Explanation
This famous quote by Charles de Gaulle expresses a deep skepticism toward the professional political class and a belief that the fate of a nation cannot be entrusted solely to those who operate within party structures or electoral systems. By declaring politics “too serious,” de Gaulle elevates it beyond mere careerism or partisanship, suggesting it requires visionary leadership, national responsibility, and the involvement of citizens, intellectuals, and even military figures when necessary.
De Gaulle embodied this philosophy throughout his life. He entered political life not as a traditional politician, but as a military leader and statesman compelled by national crisis. During World War II and again during the collapse of the Fourth Republic, he saw professional politicians as ineffectual, factional, or disconnected from the broader interests of France. His establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, with a powerful presidency, reflected his belief that governing required a leader who could rise above political squabbles and act decisively for the national good.
In today’s world, the quote remains strikingly relevant. It serves as a reminder that political responsibility belongs to more than just elected officials—it is a collective enterprise involving citizenship, civic virtue, and institutional integrity. De Gaulle’s insight challenges us to demand more from politics than short-term gain or party loyalty, and to ensure that serious matters of governance are handled with the gravity and foresight they deserve.
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