As quoted in The Quotable Politician (2003) by William B. Whitman, p. 25
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People expect Byzantine, Machiavellian logic from politicians. But the truth is simple. Trial lawyers learn a good rule: 'Don't decide what you don't have to decide.' That's not evasion, it's wisdom.
— Mario Cuomo
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "People expect Byzantine, Machiavellian logic from politicians. But the truth is simple. Trial lawyers learn a good rule: 'Don't decide what you don't have to decide.' That's not evasion, it's wisdom." in the context of "As quoted in The Quotable Politician (2003) by William B. Whitman, p. 25" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Mario Cuomo" (Quotes, 1991–2006)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Mario Cuomo
Mario Matthew Cuomo (June 15, 1932 – January 1, 2015) was an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New York for three terms, from 1983 to 1994, Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1979 to 1982; and Secretary of State of New York from 1975 to 1978.
About Mario Cuomo
Mario Matthew Cuomo (June 15, 1932 – January 1, 2015) was an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New York for three terms, from 1983 to 1994, Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1979 to 1982; and Secretary of State of New York from 1975 to 1978.
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