In order to become the master, the politician poses as the

Charles de Gaulle, soldier of France and architect of her rebirth, once revealed with the clarity of a prophet: “In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.” In this single stroke of irony, he unmasks the oldest art of power. For the politician, desiring to rule, does not seize the throne with bare hands. Instead, he bends low, cloaking himself in humility, promising to serve the people, until trust is given freely. Only then does he rise, not as servant, but as master.

The origin of this wisdom springs from de Gaulle’s long battles with power—both his own and that of others. He had watched leaders of the Third Republic bow to the people’s will with honeyed words, even as they preserved their own privileges. He himself, in founding the Fifth Republic, understood that authority rests upon the illusion of service. The politician speaks of duty and sacrifice, yet often these are but steps upon the ladder to dominion. De Gaulle’s remark is not mere cynicism, but a warning: discern between true service and the mask of it.

History bears this truth upon its face. In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar declared himself the “humble defender” of the common people, opposing the Senate’s arrogance. He posed as their servant, granting bread and games, winning their love. Yet in time he cast aside the mask, seizing perpetual dictatorship. What began as service ended as sovereignty. De Gaulle, ever the student of history, knew well how often ambition clothes itself in robes of humility.

So too in the tale of Napoleon Bonaparte, who spoke first of saving the Republic, of defending liberty against monarchs and tyrants. He wrapped himself in the language of equality, a servant of the revolution. Yet soon he crowned himself Emperor, master of France and scourge of Europe. The servant had been but a mask; the master was his true desire. De Gaulle, heir to this legacy, spoke his words as both critique and caution, lest men confuse humility with truth.

Therefore, O seekers of wisdom, remember this lesson: power often comes veiled in the garments of service. The true servant sacrifices without thought of gain; the false servant sacrifices only to ascend. The politician becomes master by posing as servant, but the wise citizen will pierce the mask. For freedom is preserved not by trusting appearances, but by judging deeds. And only when the people demand true service will they prevent the servant’s mask from hardening into the master’s crown.