The important thing in observing politics is to maintain objectivity and ability to discuss politics in a disassociated manner. This allows one to evaluate the actions of politicians based on the outcomes rather than one’s opinion of them. Recognizing good politicking is not supporting someone, just acknowledging skill.
Machiavelli was an astute political observer, capable of detesting someone and at the same time recognizing their skill. To be able to succeed, you have to do the same: know where the political winds are blowing, even if you disagree or don’t like where they’re going.
“To understand the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to understand the nature of the prince, one must be of the people.”
–Niccolo Machiavelli
Some principles for observing politics:
- Know what you believe and why
- Separate discussions of ideas from people and maneuvers from beliefs
- Acknowledge what you want to happen and think will happen might not match up
- Don’t let yourself get too angry or worked up (if you do, take a break)
- Remember that politics is people and people are fickle
Enjoy solving today’s problems with the wisdom of the past? Join the Conversation of Our Generation.

189. Learn How to Discuss Ideas from Plato's Symposium – Conversation of Our Generation
- 189. Learn How to Discuss Ideas from Plato's Symposium
- 188. Finding Unity and Mending a Divided Nation
- 187. The Common Sense We Need | Book Review
- 186. Smiles Matter, Problems With COVID Lockdowns
- 185. Civil Unrest in Shakespeare's Henry VI
- 184. Crazy Elections in America's Past
- 183. Top 25 Must Read Books for 2021
- 182. What Divides Libertarians – My Conversation with Sean Boston
- 181. Have a Merry Christmas!
- 180. Talking Politics And Virtue
Leave a Reply