Hope for the best while you plan for the worst
Unforeseen events shape our national destiny far more than the carefully crafted plans of our leaders. Tony Abbott faces Syria and an uncertain China.
When the 1960s British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was asked what were the greatest challenges facing him as a leader he replied: "Events, dear boy, events".
A brief glance backwards at our recent history would confirm that unforeseen developments – adverse events – have done more in shaping our national destiny than the carefully crafted platforms of our political leaders when taking up office.
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