Andrew Moreno mentioned Lincoln's skill in keeping sensitive matters
implicit. I think Vaclav Havel understood [understands] this equally well.
He wrote about it brilliantly in his October 27, 1991, speech at New York
University. "Of course, in politics, as anywhere else in life, it is
impossible and point- less to say everything, all at once, to just anyone.
But that does not mean having to lie. All you need is tact, the proper
instincts, and good taste. One surprising experience from 'high politics'
is this: I have discovered that good taste is more useful here than a
degree in political science. It is largely a matter of form: knowing how
long to speak, when to begin and when to finish; ho to say
somethingpolitely that your opposite number may not want to hear; how to
say, always, what is most significant at a given moment, and not to speak
of what is not important or relevant; how to insist on your own position
without offending; how to create the kind of friendly atmosphere that
makes complex negotiations easier; how to keep a conversation going
without prying or being aloof; how to balance serious political themes
with lighter, more relaxing topics; how to plan your offical journeys
judiciously and know when it is more appropriate not to go somewhere; when
to be open and when reticent, and to what degree.
But more than that, it means having a certain instinct for time, the
atmosphere of the time, the mood of the people, the nature of their
worries, their frame of mind -- that too can perhaps be more useful than
sociological surveys. An education in political science, law, economics,
history and culture is an invaluable asset to any politician, but I have
been persuaded, again and again, that it is not the most important asset.
Qualities like fellow feeling, the abiity to talk to others, insight, the
capacity to grasp quickly not only problems but also human character, the
ability to make contact, and a sense of moderation: All these are
immensely more important in politics. . . To sum up: if your heart is in
the right place and you have good taste, not only will pass muster in
politics, you are destined for it. If you are modest and do not lust after
power, not only are you suited to politics, you absolutely belong there.
The sine qua non of a politician is not the ability to lie; he need only
be sensitive and know when, what, to whom, and how to say what he has to
say. It is not true that a person of principle does not belong in
politics; it is enough for his principles to be leavened with patience,
deliberation, a sense of proportion, and an understanding of others. It
is not true that only the unfeeling cynic, the vain, the brash, and the
vulgar can succeed in politics; such people, it is true, are drawn to
politics, but in the end, decorum and good taste will always count for
more."
Room 418 Tucker Hall
Adult Education Dept.
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602
FAX 706-542-4024
Phone 706-542-2214
-- MHOLT@uga.cc.uga.edu