The longer I am out of office, the more infallible I appear to myself

The longer I am out of office, the more infallible I appear to myself

Henry Kissinger, the former United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, is known for his complex and controversial legacy in American politics. Throughout his career, Kissinger was a key player in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era, particularly in his role as a diplomat and negotiator. However, as time has passed since his time in office, Kissinger's reputation has become increasingly polarized, with some viewing him as a brilliant strategist and others as a ruthless and Machiavellian figure.

The quote, "The longer I am out of office, the more infallible I appear to myself," seems particularly apt when applied to Kissinger. As a man who wielded immense power and influence during his time in office, it is not surprising that he may view his decisions and actions through a lens of self-assuredness and certainty. Kissinger's belief in his own infallibility may stem from the fact that he was able to navigate the complex world of international diplomacy with relative success, often achieving his desired outcomes through a combination of cunning, pragmatism, and realpolitik.

However, this sense of infallibility has also been a source of criticism for Kissinger, as his detractors argue that his actions as a statesman were often morally questionable and had far-reaching consequences. For example, Kissinger's role in the secret bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War and his support for authoritarian regimes in Latin America have been widely condemned as examples of his willingness to prioritize geopolitical interests over human rights and ethical considerations.

In his later years, Kissinger has continued to defend his legacy and his decisions, often portraying himself as a misunderstood and underappreciated figure in American history. This sense of self-assuredness and self-righteousness has only grown stronger with time, as Kissinger has become more removed from the day-to-day realities of politics and diplomacy. As a result, he may see himself as an infallible and untouchable figure, immune to criticism and doubt.