“The true statesman is the one who is willing to take risks.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“The true statesman is the one who is willing to take risks.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Charles de Gaulle’s conviction that leadership demands courage, not caution. A “true statesman” is not merely a caretaker of existing institutions but someone who dares to act boldly when the moment requires it. By emphasizing risk, de Gaulle points to the idea that political progress and national renewal often depend on decisions that may be unpopular, uncertain, or dangerous, but are necessary for the greater good.
Historically, de Gaulle embodied this principle through decisive acts such as leading the Free French Forces during World War II, rejecting the armistice with Nazi Germany, and later founding the Fifth Republic in 1958, reforming France’s political structure. These were not moves of political convenience—they were high-stakes gambles rooted in principle and vision. His leadership showed that the willingness to risk one’s position, reputation, or even life can distinguish a statesman from a mere politician.
Today, this quote continues to resonate in an era where many leaders shy away from unpopular truths or difficult reforms. Whether confronting climate change, defending democracy, or enacting long-term economic policies, real leadership still requires the bravery to choose what is right over what is easy. De Gaulle reminds us that history favors those who dare to act when others hesitate, and that the essence of statesmanship lies in principled risk-taking.
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