Honest statesmanship is the wise employment of individual meanness for the public good.

Summary

This quote suggests that a wise statesman should have the ability to use the negative qualities or attributes of individuals for the benefit of the public. It implies that a leader should be able to acknowledge and utilize the sometimes unpleasant characteristics of people in order to achieve positive outcomes for society as a whole. It highlights the importance of realistic and pragmatic decision-making in politics, even if it means employing qualities that may be perceived as negative or selfish, as long as it serves the greater good.

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