I've always sort of thought that politics was a high and noble

Hearken, children of the ages, and listen to the words of Boris Johnson: “I've always sort of thought that politics was a high and noble calling and a good thing to do.” In this simple reflection lies the timeless truth of public service, duty, and the aspiration to elevate society. Politics, when embraced with virtue, is more than contention or ambition; it is a sacred endeavor, a path through which one may labor for the common good, guiding the fate of nations and the welfare of peoples. The measure of the statesman is not in power alone, but in the nobility of purpose that animates each action.

The origin of this insight springs from Johnson’s life as a public servant and leader in modern Britain, where he observed both the promise and peril of political engagement. He reminds us that politics, at its heart, is an opportunity to enact positive change, to wield authority in service to justice, prosperity, and the flourishing of society. This perspective echoes the teachings of sages and philosophers, who long understood that true leadership requires moral intent, wisdom, and courage.

Consider the story of Pericles, the ancient Athenian statesman, who governed not for personal gain, but to strengthen the city and cultivate civic virtue. His dedication to public life as a noble calling left an enduring legacy of democracy, culture, and civic responsibility. Johnson’s reflection mirrors this ancient truth: politics, at its finest, is not merely a contest of ambition, but a vocation of service, calling forth the best in those who answer it.

Even in our daily lives, the lesson holds. Leaders, councilors, and those who guide communities are called to remember that authority is a responsibility, not a privilege. When politics is treated as a noble endeavor, it elevates not only the leaders themselves but the lives of those they serve. The ethical pursuit of power transforms a mere occupation into a mission of virtue and collective good.

History bears witness to this principle: Abraham Lincoln, rising amidst civil strife, regarded the presidency not as a seat of personal glory, but as a duty to preserve the Union and advance justice. His life exemplifies the high calling of politics, demonstrating that when ambition is aligned with moral purpose, leadership becomes a force of enduring greatness.

Therefore, children of future generations, take this counsel to heart: approach public life with humility, courage, and vision. See politics not as a battleground of vanity, but as a noble calling, a means to serve, to uplift, and to shape the destiny of your people. In this understanding lies the eternal glory of leadership and the enduring honor of those who act with conscience and purpose.