Politics is the practical exercise of the art of self-government, and somebody must attend to it if we are to have self-government; somebody must study it, and learn the art, and exercise patience and sympathy and skill to bring the multitude of opinions and wishes of self-governing people into such order that some prevailing opinion may be expressed and peaceably accepted. Otherwise, confusion will result either in dictatorship or anarchy. The principal ground of reproach against any American citizen should be that he is not a politician. Everyone ought to be, as Lincoln was.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the essential nature of politics in a self-governing society. It argues that without individuals actively engaging in politics, self-government becomes impractical, leading to either dictatorship or anarchy. To maintain order and harmony, the quote argues that citizens must study and master the art of politics, exhibiting patience, empathy, and skill to bring together the diverse opinions and wishes of the people. The quote suggests that being involved in politics should be viewed positively, and it values the example set by Abraham Lincoln, highlighting the importance of every American citizen actively participating in the political process.