“We are not here to laugh.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“We are not here to laugh.”
Explanation
This concise and stern statement by Charles de Gaulle encapsulates his austere sense of duty and gravitas in public service. By declaring “we are not here to laugh,” he underscores the seriousness of leadership and national responsibility, particularly in times of crisis or state deliberation. It reflects his belief that government is not a stage for entertainment or frivolity, but a platform for solemn decision-making that affects the fate of millions.
De Gaulle frequently distanced himself from populist appeals or casual political behavior. His leadership, especially during World War II and the volatile years of rebuilding the French Republic, was marked by a rigid sense of decorum and purpose. He viewed political office as a sacred trust, one that required dignity, discipline, and sacrifice, not light-heartedness or indulgence in trivialities. This statement likely served as a rebuke to those who underestimated the moral and institutional weight of statecraft.
In modern democracies, where politics can often blur into entertainment or public spectacle, this quote remains strikingly relevant. It serves as a reminder of the profound responsibility borne by leaders, especially when public discourse becomes shallow or distracted. De Gaulle’s words challenge today’s officials to approach governance not as performance, but as a solemn vocation, where the priority is not applause or levity, but service, duty, and integrity.
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