Lipton’s Journal/December 17, 1954/61

I learned a practical matter the other day. When negotiations are going on, the Order of Procedure determines to a great degree whether one will get one’s point or not. It is critical whether one takes up first the items one is bound to win on or to lose on, depending on the psychology of the opponents and the totality of the situation. So in the U.N. when they argue whether a question is procedural or substantial, there is no mere waste of words among diplomats. They are wrestling for what makes the victory. Their sensitivity to manipulation is as acute as a hipster’s ear for jazz. Essentially they are grasping abstract relations. So, too, for politicians, political leaders, athletes, etc. There is no such thing as a big or an important man who does not have some special sensitivity. That is why, try as we will, we are always obliged to respect big men. No matter how corrupt, they have the special sensitivity, one way or another, which makes for greatness. That’s why Bob [Lindner] always adores “name” people. It’s far from simple snobbery. He recognizes their special sensitivity.