Statesman
The term
statesman is a respectful term used to refer to
politicians, and other notable figures of
state. It is often used in the context of national and international/
foreign affairs, for example, "a meeting of statesmen."
Whether or not an individual actually
is a statesman, is generally a matter of opinion, although in some cases there is little
controversy. Politicians and civil servants who are regarded as statesmen are usually old and revered, with long distinguished careers.
One can use the word as an
euphemism for
politician. When a politician retires, he is often referred to as a "respected elder statesman" by his supporters.
*
Aristotle -- "What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain
moral character in his fellow
citizens, namely a disposition to
virtue and the performance of virtuous
actions."
*
Harry S. Truman -- "A politician is a man who understands government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead for 15 years."
*
Henry Kissinger -- "The statesman's duty is to bridge the gap between experience and vision."
