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Hope for the best while you plan for the worst

Max Walsh, 12 September 2013, The Australian Financial Review (subscription required)

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.

Read the full article: Hope for the best while you plan for the worst (subscription required)

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Max Walsh

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Max Walsh was for many years one of Australia’s top economic and political commentators, highly regarded as a journalist, author and broadcaster. Throughout his career, Max was involved in all dimensions of the media industry, which has encompassed positions with two of Australia’s largest publishing companies and television networks.

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