Government is a living organism, not a machine | Letters
The article discusses the nature of government and its machinery, challenging the common perception that it is a machine that can be operated by leaders. A senior civil servant and Hazel Jones respond to a column by Martin Kettle, arguing that the machinery of government is not a "machine" but a "living organism" with its own "mind and temperament," as former Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated in his book on leadership. The article suggests that many current leaders make the mistake of treating the government machinery as an instrument they can learn to use, rather than recognizing its complex and dynamic nature. It emphasizes the need for leaders who can understand and navigate the intricate workings of the government, rather than simply trying to operate it like a machine.
Note: This is an AI-generated summary of the original article. For the full story, please visit the source link below.
