“Say little, and do much”
Jul 30, 2018, 3:36 PM
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Contemporary leaders can learn from ancient wisdom, and President Trump will benefit from the 2,000-year-old advice of Rabbi Shammai to “Say Little, and Do Much.”
The President has certainly done much in his time in office, but he would gain greatly from saying less-and avoiding statements that undermine admirable actions. For instance, his gratuitous praise for President Putin contradicts his decisive get-tough policies against Russia, with tough sanctions and arms aid for Ukraine.
Similarly, he has achieved valuable cooperation with our NATO allies, but random negative comments, like calling the EU our “foe,” get disproportionate attention. He and his representatives respectfully answer press questions every day, but harsh words about “fake news” upstage White House work to cooperate with journalists.
The President should recall another old maxim that “actions speak louder than words,” and let his constructive actions speak loudly to convey a better message.