When politics is no longer a mission but a profession
When politics is no longer a mission but a profession, politicians become more self-serving than public servants.
Hear, O keepers of the future, the solemn words of Emmanuel Macron: “When politics is no longer a mission but a profession, politicians become more self-serving than public servants.” This is the cry of one who sees the transformation of a noble calling into a hollow career. For politics, in its truest form, is a mission of service, a sacred duty to guard the people, protect the weak, and preserve the common good. But when it becomes a mere trade, it breeds ambition without honor, and rulers forget that they were chosen not for themselves, but for their people.
A mission is born of sacrifice. The leader who regards his task as a mission lays aside comfort, wealth, and ease for the sake of justice. He sees himself as steward, not master; servant, not lord. But when politics becomes a profession, it is tainted by calculations of gain—by salaries, favors, and the thirst for survival above service. The flame of idealism is extinguished, and in its place rises a cold hunger for position and advantage.
History offers its lessons. Cincinnatus, called from his plow to defend Rome, laid down power and returned to his fields once his duty was fulfilled. He saw politics as mission, not profession, and for this he was remembered with honor. Contrast this with the courtiers of decadent empires, who clung to power for wealth and prestige, devouring the people they were meant to protect. Their names are forgotten, but their corruption lingers in the memory of ruin.
Consider also the example of George Washington, who might have been king, but chose instead to retire after his service, setting the precedent that no leader should hold power for his own sake. He treated public service as a trust, not a possession. Yet in many ages, leaders have done the opposite—making politics their lifelong career, caring less for the people’s needs than for their own survival. Such men and women embody the decay Macron warns against.
Therefore, O children of wisdom, remember this truth: politics must remain a mission, else it becomes a prison of selfishness. The people deserve leaders who rise to serve, not to enrich themselves. Let every citizen who holds office ask: Am I here for the people, or for myself? For the difference is the fate of nations—whether they rise in virtue or collapse beneath corruption.
NVNhat Vy
I agree with Macron’s perspective. If politics is treated as a career, it may naturally breed self-interest. But isn’t there a fine line between professionalism and self-serving behavior? Is it possible to have politicians who are both skilled and deeply committed to public service, or does the professionalization of politics inevitably lead to this kind of issue? Perhaps the solution lies in balancing expertise with a strong sense of duty to the public.
HTHuy Thinh
This quote from Macron speaks to the heart of what’s wrong with contemporary politics. If being a politician is viewed as a profession, it invites self-interest and careerism. How do we restore a sense of public service in politics? Maybe part of the problem lies in how we elect politicians—are we selecting career politicians who are less focused on the people and more on maintaining power? Could reforms in the electoral system change this dynamic?
Llfjfhhf
Macron’s words really resonate with me. Politics should be about serving the public, but too often it feels like it’s more about the politicians’ own ambitions. When did this shift happen, and what impact has it had on governance? Can we change the way politicians view their roles, and encourage them to prioritize the welfare of the people? This quote makes me wonder about the long-term consequences of seeing politics as just another profession.
DNDark Ness
This quote by Macron hits home, especially in an era where many politicians seem more concerned with career longevity than with serving their constituents. If politics becomes a profession rather than a mission, do politicians lose sight of their original purpose? Could this shift explain the growing public distrust in politicians? Is there a way to reinvigorate the idea of public service in the political sphere, and hold politicians accountable to their duties?
DNDieu Nguyen
Macron’s statement feels very relevant in today’s political climate. Politics, once seen as a noble service, often feels like a career now, with politicians more focused on maintaining their positions than on meaningful change. But is this inevitable as politics becomes more institutionalized? How do we balance the need for professional politicians with the goal of public service? Can we reclaim politics as a mission rather than a profession?