Mahatma Gandhi Quotes

Whoever decides to dedicate their life to politics knows that earning money isn't the top priority.

This state of mind, which subordinates the interests of the ego to the conservation of the community, is really the first premise for every truly human culture... The basic attitude from which such activity arises, we call-to distinguish it from egoism and selfishness-idealism. By this we understand only the individual's capacity to make sacrifices for the community, for his fellow men.

The only reason to be in politics is public service. There's no other reason. Frankly, if that's the best job you can get in terms of money, that's too bad, you know. Because frankly, it's not well paid, everyone knows that. So for most people it's a big sacrifice.

Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert.

What is required from members of Congress and the public alike is a new spirit of devotion to the national welfare beyond party or self-interest.

It is to be hoped that the leaders of this movement will place the nation above the party.

Politics is a noble activity. We should revalue it, practise it with vocation and a dedication that requires testimony, martyrdom, that is to die for the common good.

To be interested in the public good we must be disinterested, that is, not interested in goods in which our personal selves are wrapped up.

If I don’t get elected? Great. The Republic will live on

We have seen more than once that the public welfare may call upon the best citizens for their lives.

If you don’t enjoy helping people then politics is something you shouldn’t be about.

The leader is supposed to represent the community, the public good. He's supposed to be the focal point and the guide and the inspiration, and to represent a concern for the public good. The trouble is, the tragic problem is, very often, when you are a leader and pursue the public good, it may be at the expense of your private interests in a very drastic way

A good subject makes it his rule to prefer the public welfare to everything else, bravely to sacrifice his fortune, and his private interests, and even his life, for the preservation of the state; and to employ all his abilities and his industry to advance the honor, and to procure the advantage of his native country.

He serves his party best who serves the county best.

It's time to put country ahead of party. It's time to put the next generation ahead of the next election.

There is a higher duty than that we owe political party.

We need a president who will choose to do what's best for the country, even when it doesn't personally benefit them.

The only reward in a public life is public progress. You stand back and say, 'What did I get out of it?' You look around, and the place is better, and that's it.

None of us has any personal interest above the interests of the country. Our country is more important than our careers.

When you are in politics, and you are a genuine person who genuinely cares, then everything comes second.

I'm a Labour party supporter, but I'm also a democrat.

It so happens that after a certain stage, we have to give in to the wishes of the people rather than your own satisfaction. I look at it as my responsibility to satisfy the wishes of the people more than mine.

Self-preservation shouldn't be the first instinct in politics. It should be doing the right thing for the country.

It's not as if being leader of the Green party is something that I do because I love being leader of the Green party. I love the Green party and this is a service.

In 'Profiles in Courage,' my grandfather, John F. Kennedy, praised leadership that put country above party, elevated principles over petty politics and promoted progress before personal interests.