Fisher Ames Quotes

I think there's a danger in politics of being too risk-averse.

Like Lyndon Johnson, President Obama understands that timidity in a time of troubles is a prescription for failure.

One of the things that I think you see sometimes in politics is a certain degree of caution. It's usually advised by consultants who don't want to see you march to the end of a limb.

I had discovered long ago the first lesson of political courage: to think anew. I had then learned the second: to be prepared to lead and to decide. I was now studying the third: how to take the calculated risk. I was going to alienate some people, like it or not. The moment you decide, you divide.

The distinction between a statesman and a politician is that the former imposes his will and his ideas on his environment while the latter adopts himself to it.

Public men have, however, to pick their steps as best they may, for the straight path would lead too often to the cliff-edge.

I believe that [Bill] Clinton is the best tactical politician, certainly in my lifetime.

In the choice of these captains not those that are the boldest and most enterprising are esteemed the best; but those rather, who are steady and sedate; prudent in conduct, and skillful in command. Nor is it so much required, that they should be at all times eager to begin the combat, and throw themselves precipitately into action

Just as our peace-time system is unsuitable for war conditions, so does it tend to breed peace-time statesmen who are not too well fitted for the conduct of war. Facility in debate, ability to state a case, caution in advancing an unpopular view, compromise and procrastination are the natural qualities - I might almost say, virtues - of a political leader in time of peace. They are fatal qualities in war. Vision, daring, swiftness and consistency of decision are the very essence of victory.

Effective Presidents are those who can achieve a balance between purpose and prudence.

I am a politician and must gamble with the future.

Discretion--humble as it seems, it has often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from it....

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.

If I finish my term in office … and have high approval ratings, then I wasted my last years in office. That high approval rating means you don’t upset anybody. High approval rating means you’re skiing down the slope and you never fall. Well, you’re skiing the baby slope, for goodness’ sakes. Go to a steeper slope. You always want to press, and you want to tackle the issues that are unpopular, that nobody else will go after.

Before we acquire great power we must acquire wisdom to use it well

Always be prudent but never hesitant.

It is never well to take drastic action, if the result can be achieved with equal efficiency with less drastic action..

One of the things Goldman teaches you is, don't be the first guy through the door because you're going to get all the arrows.

I have interacted with several top leaders. Modi is among the three smartest leaders I have met.

I'm not a daredevil. I don't fly without a safety net.

I've learned that I have to be more aggressive in that position, when I'm leading the match.

Being prudent does not mean being fearful.

I know that I often take risks, but it is always for the purposes of the team.

Life's too short to be super conservative but it's also too short to make it any shorter. I don't plan on dying early, but at the same time I don't plan on playing it so safe that I'll live to ninety.

I can sit in the boardroom and battle it out, step up and be a project manager, take risks, and put my ideas alongside anybody's.