I believe people who go into politics want to do the right
I believe people who go into politics want to do the right thing. And then they hit a big wall of re-election and the pettiness of politics. In the end, politics gets in the way of the business of people.
Hear, O seekers of truth, the words of Kevin Costner, who observed the trials of leadership with the clarity of an outsider: “I believe people who go into politics want to do the right thing. And then they hit a big wall of re-election and the pettiness of politics. In the end, politics gets in the way of the business of people.” In this utterance lies both hope and sorrow—hope in the sincerity of human intent, sorrow in the corruption of human systems.
For to enter politics is often to begin with noble fire. Many come to serve, to heal divisions, to bring light to the poor and justice to the oppressed. Yet, as Costner warns, they soon strike the wall of re-election—that endless cycle of campaigns, compromises, and calculations. Service becomes entangled with ambition, truth becomes traded for votes, and the noble dream is dulled by the machinery of survival.
The pettiness of politics is the slow poison. Leaders quarrel over pride while their people hunger; they pursue personal victory while the common good languishes. This is the tragedy Costner names: that politics, intended to be the instrument of service, becomes instead an obstacle to the very business of people—their health, their dignity, their daily bread.
History bears witness. Consider George Washington, who, though adored by many, stepped away from power after two terms, fearing that ambition and endless re-election would strangle the Republic. His wisdom showed that leaders serve best when they place the people above their own continuance in office. Yet countless rulers after him have fallen into the trap Costner describes, clinging to power until service was lost in selfishness.
Therefore, let this lesson endure: the true work of governance is not the pursuit of office, but the service of humanity. When politics overshadows the people, nations suffer; when leaders remember that power is a trust and not a prize, the business of the people flourishes. Costner’s words ring as both caution and call—that we must demand of our leaders not the games of re-election, but the courage to serve, even when service costs them their crown.
HADam Ha Anh
Costner’s take on politics brings up a frustrating point: the system often works against progress. If politicians truly want to serve the people, why does re-election play such a dominant role in their actions? Is it time to rethink how elections are structured, so they don’t overshadow the need for meaningful change? How can we shift the focus from short-term victories to long-term societal improvement?
QQuelinh
The quote suggests that the best intentions often get lost in the pettiness of politics. While I agree that re-election pressures can influence decision-making, can we also acknowledge the importance of political strategy in navigating complex issues? Is it really possible to completely separate politics from the 'business of people,' or is the political process an inevitable part of shaping public policies and meeting citizens’ needs?
MTDang Minh Trang
Costner's quote resonates with a common disillusionment about politics. Many enter the field with noble intentions, but the realities of re-election and partisan conflicts seem to derail their original goals. But does this mean that the political system is inherently flawed, or are politicians simply not equipped to navigate these pressures? What reforms could make it easier for elected officials to stay focused on their purpose rather than politics as usual?
HMNguyen Huynh Hoa My
Kevin Costner's quote highlights a significant challenge in politics: the struggle between personal integrity and political survival. It’s disheartening that the desire to do good can often be overshadowed by the need for re-election. Could this be a fundamental flaw in the political system itself? Is there a way to encourage politicians to focus on the 'business of people' without the constant distraction of campaigning?