"يمكنك أن تقود رجلاً إلى الكونغرس لكن لا يمكنك أن تجعله يفكر"

The core idea behind this quote is that you can put someone in a position of power or influence, but that doesn't guarantee they'll use it wisely or thoughtfully. It speaks to the frustration many people feel when they see leaders or representatives who seem more interested in their own agendas than in genuinely considering the needs and concerns of those they represent.

This quote is often attributed to Milton Berle, a famous American comedian, though variations of it have been around for much longer. It taps into a timeless sentiment: that leadership doesn't automatically confer wisdom or thoughtfulness. This has been a concern throughout history, from the ancient Greeks complaining about their lawmakers to today's citizens frustrated with modern politicians.

Think about the story of someone like Warren Buffett, but in reverse. Buffett is known for his thoughtful approach to investing and business. He didn't just get rich by chance; he paid attention, learned constantly, and made decisions based on deep thinking and understanding. Now, imagine someone plopped into a high-ranking investment position without any of that thoughtfulness—just riding on connections or luck. They’d likely make poor decisions, not because they lack power, but because they're not thinking critically about their actions.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing that just because someone has authority or a title, it doesn't mean they're always right or that they've thought things through. Be critical—question their decisions, and think about the consequences. You can apply this lesson in your workplace, in your community, or even within your family. Just because someone’s in charge doesn’t mean they’re infallible. Trust your judgment and use your voice.

Imagine you’re at a company meeting. Your boss presents a new strategy for the next quarter. Everyone nods in agreement, but something doesn’t sit right with you. You’ve noticed a potential flaw based on your day-to-day work with clients. It’s tempting to stay quiet—after all, your boss is the “leader”, right? But if you remember that title doesn't automatically mean they’ve thought about everything, you might feel more empowered to speak up. “Actually, I have a concern about this approach,” you say, and explain your perspective. This could lead to a more thoughtful, well-rounded decision that benefits everyone.

Or think about voting in an election. Instead of just picking the candidate with the most ads or the most recognizable name, dig deeper. Look at their policies, their history, their actions. Are they really thinking about the issues that matter to you and your community, or are they just going through the motions to get elected? Make your choice based on substance, not just the surface.

In essence, this quote is a reminder to value critical thinking and to understand that positions of power don’t inherently come with wisdom. It’s up to us to think critically, question authority, and make thoughtful decisions—whether we’re leading or choosing our leaders.