“A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.”
– James Freeman Clarke
It’s rare that we even use the term “statesman” these days unless we’re being fully ironic. But in living memory, there were men that we could easily refer to as “statesmen” regardless of our view of their policies or underlying philosophy. Political figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower or John F. Kennedy come to mind as examples of statesmanship.
A politician, on the other hand, is a far more common phenomenon and one that we are all too familiar with. There is no need to specifically call out an individual politician — though we will later. But you certainly have your own favorite examples of career politicians, men whose calling is not to country, or even to party, but to advancing their own interests on the public dime.
What is a statesman? How does a statesman contrast from a politician? And, ultimately, why does the difference matter?
What Defines a Statesman?
“Statesman’s” meaning begins with intentions, but does not end there. The important thing to ask when evaluating an individual to determine if they are a statesman or a politician is why they decided to enter public service: Did they feel called to steer the nation for its benefit or are they just looking for a cushy gig? To pull a page from theologian, James Freeman Clarke, are they thinking about the next election or the next generation?
There’s more to it than Clark’s rubric. However, this offers an opportunity to begin looking at what the fundamental definition of a statesman is. A statesman’s essence is not simply being around a long time and getting things done. It is an individual who values the health and well being of the body politic so much that they cannot imagine any way of life other than serving in that capacity.
Maybe they do it for a few years and return to the private sector. Maybe they remain a career politician — sorry, career statesman. But their career is not an end to itself, it is a means to an end.
Read more here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/contrasts/statesman-vs-politician/