Leopold II - A new reign is always a time of hope; everybody is dis

A new reign is always a time of hope; everybody is disposed to see something for his own wishes and prospects. The policy of a new Sovereign must therefore be to act in such a manner as to hurt as little as possible the amour-propre [public love] of people, to let circumstances and the force of things bring about the disappointments which no human power could prevent coming sooner or later…

Context

This advice has been taken by many elected Presidents and Prime Ministers in a democracy beginning a new administration. Essentially it is delay and “kick the can down the road”.

Topics

Citations

Leopold II, 1835-1909, King of Belgium, Uncle & Long Term Advisor to Queen Victoria of England, Letter to Queen Victoria shortly before her new reign was to begin, June 16, 1837

Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations

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Leopold II Quotes