“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.”
Explanation
With this quote, Ronald Reagan offers a wry and self-aware commentary on the nature of political life, blending humor with critique. He acknowledges that politics can offer power, prestige, and influence to those who succeed. At the same time, he mocks how even those who fail or fall from grace often find ways to remain in the public eye, notably by publishing memoirs or tell-all books. It’s a reminder that public failure in politics doesn’t always end a career—it may simply shift it to the media or literary circuit.
Reagan, a former actor turned politician, understood the performance aspect of public life. The historical backdrop includes the rise of celebrity-politicians, the expanding media landscape, and a growing appetite for insider political stories. During and after his presidency, many American politicians—from Watergate figures to presidential candidates—leveraged their notoriety into book deals, a trend that Reagan lightly pokes fun at here.
In the modern age, the quote remains especially relevant. Politicians who face scandal or electoral defeat often pivot to writing, speaking tours, cable news, or podcasts, suggesting that public life can be remarkably forgiving if one’s story is marketable. Reagan’s quip continues to underscore a truth about the interplay between politics, media, and commerce: even political disgrace can be repackaged into personal success.
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