Politicians are usually the first to forget that if you assume someone else is acting in bad faith, they will do the same to you. Questioning motives poisons the well.

Summary

This quote underscores the importance of trust and the negative consequences of assuming the worst intentions in others, particularly in the realm of politics. It highlights that politicians often fail to recognize that if they view others with mistrust, they are likely to receive the same treatment in return. By constantly questioning others' motives, the resulting lack of trust can impede effective communication and hinder any potential for collaboration or compromise. Ultimately, the quote suggests that assuming bad faith erodes the foundation necessary for constructive political discourse and decision-making.

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