Language & Logic

The New York Times once asked students: “Would you ever want to run for office?”. This question invites young people to think about what real leadership requires as discipline, service, and resilience, and to consider whether political life matches their own values. In the essay below, I reflect on what leadership means to me and why I admire those who serve in politics, even though I would choose a different path for myself.

Running for office takes more than confidence. It takes strong discipline and an unbreakable work ethic. The hours are long, the pressure is constant, and the expectations never end. Every decision is public and every mistake is remembered. It is a position that demands complete focus and endless effort.

I would not want to run for office because the kind of work ethic it requires is different from what I value. I believe in working hard where results are clear and direct. In politics, change moves slowly. Even when a leader works day and night, progress can take years or fail altogether. It is hard to stay motivated when effort does not always lead to visible results.

Politicians need to maintain energy through long campaigns, constant travel, and daily criticism. They must speak to crowds, attend events, and meet people who will not always agree with them. That kind of work takes persistence, but it also demands sacrificing privacy and personal peace. I would rather work hard in a space where my dedication builds something real, not where it gets buried under arguments and public opinion.

True work ethic is about consistency, honesty, and purpose. It does not need attention to have value. I believe effort should help people directly, not through speeches or votes that may never pass.

Running for office might seem like the highest form of leadership, but it often becomes a fight for survival instead of service. I respect those who take on that challenge, yet my idea of hard work belongs outside politics. I would rather put my time into actions that bring visible change and steady progress. For that reason, I would not want to run for office.

While I may not want to run for office, I still believe in leading by example — through writing, teamwork, and helping others grow.