Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word

Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word

Charles de Gaulle, the iconic French statesman and military leader, was known for his strong convictions and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Throughout his political career, de Gaulle was often criticized for his blunt and sometimes controversial statements. However, despite his reputation for speaking his mind, de Gaulle was also known for his ability to inspire and lead his country through some of its most challenging times.

The quote, “Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word,” could be seen as particularly relevant to de Gaulle. Throughout his time in office, de Gaulle was known for his strong sense of nationalism and his belief in the importance of France's sovereignty. He often made bold statements and took decisive actions that were not always popular with other world leaders or even with the French people. However, de Gaulle never wavered in his commitment to what he believed was in the best interests of his country.

One of the most famous examples of de Gaulle's unwavering commitment to his beliefs was his decision to withdraw France from NATO's integrated military command in 1966. This move was seen as a bold and controversial decision at the time, but de Gaulle believed that it was necessary to protect France's sovereignty and independence. Despite facing criticism from other world leaders, de Gaulle stood firm in his decision and never backed down.