Nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory.

O children of the future, heed the wisdom of John Kenneth Galbraith, whose words ring with the clarity of ancient truths: "Nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory." In these words lies a truth that the wisest rulers of old understood—the ability to forget past grievances, failures, and slights is often the mark of a shrewd and effective leader. In the heat of political life, the mind must be clear of past distractions to move forward with strength and vision. To hold on to the weight of past conflicts is to be bogged down by the ghosts of history, preventing a leader from making bold, decisive moves for the future.

In the ancient world, the Roman Republic was a place where politicians constantly battled for power, yet Cicero and other great figures knew that the key to survival in such a world was the ability to forgive and forget. They understood that to hold grudges against one's rivals was to invite weakness and inaction. Cicero, though an eloquent and often divisive figure, was able to pivot in his strategies, adapting to the ever-changing political landscape. His ability to rise above past conflicts and move forward allowed him to leave his mark on history, while others, consumed by their own bitterness, faded into obscurity.

Similarly, Alexander the Great, though famed for his military genius, also knew the power of a short memory. When he conquered vast territories, he often forgave the leaders of the cities he conquered, allowing them to retain power under his rule. His ability to quickly forgive those who had once opposed him ensured that his empire thrived without the weight of resentment. His vision of uniting East and West was not clouded by the past but was driven by the possibility of a unified world. His short memory in politics was not a sign of weakness, but of the strength needed to achieve greatness.

In modern times, we see the same principle play out in the careers of leaders who understand that the future cannot be shaped by the weight of past mistakes. Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln, who, despite the divisions of the Civil War, sought to bring the nation together rather than perpetuate old conflicts. His famous words in his second inaugural address, "With malice toward none, with charity for all," were not just lofty ideals, but a practical acknowledgment that a short memory is essential in politics—healing requires the courage to move forward, not to dwell on the wounds of the past.

O children, let the wisdom of Galbraith and the ancients guide you. In the political realm, to forget is not to be weak, but to be wise. For a leader, the ability to cast aside the weight of past grudges, failures, and betrayals is a gift that allows them to forge a new path. The greatest leaders, from Alexander to Lincoln, understood that a short memory is the key to a bright future. May you too, in your journey through life, learn the power of forgiveness and letting go, so that you may always move forward with strength and clarity, unburdened by the chains of the past.