He yields to the popular drift, or to the set of opinion and demands among the effective majority on whom he leans; and he can not even appear to lead, though he may surreptitiously lead opinion in adroitly seeming to reflect it and obey it.

Ostensible leadership, such as has been staged in this country from time to time, has turned out to be ostensible only.

The politician must be adroit; but if he is also to be a statesman he must be something more.

He is under the necessity of guessing accurately what the drift of events and opinion is going to be on the next reach ahead; and in taking coming events by the forelock he may be able to guide and shape the drift of opinion and sentiment somewhat to his own liking.

But all the while he must keep within the lines of the long-term set of the current as it works out in the habits of thought of the common man.
Such foresight and flexibility is necessary to continued survival, but flexibility of convictions alone does not meet the requirements.