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When Anders Zorn painted President William Howard Taft in 1911, he captured more than just a physical likeness; he captured the very essence of government service—a profound sense of dignity, contemplation, and duty. In Taft’s thoughtful expression and measured posture, we see a reflection of the deeper purpose of government, which fundamentally differs from the goals of a business.
At its core, government is a societal institution whose mission is articulated in the Preamble to the Constitution: forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. Each of these principles speaks to a duty of care, community cohesion, and ethical responsibility that surpasses profitability and efficiency. Government exists primarily to safeguard and promote these collective, intangible values rather than individual wealth or organizational profit.
Businesses, on the other hand, exist primarily to generate profit and maximize returns for their stakeholders. Stakeholders—owners, shareholders, or investors—measure success largely through financial returns, market competitiveness, and efficiency. Businesses must be responsive to profitability, often making decisions based on short-term financial interests, which can sometimes come at the expense of broader social considerations, unless directly aligned with their bottom line.
Government, however, does not have stakeholders in the traditional business sense. Rather, it has the public—a much broader, more diverse, and inclusive group. The public includes every citizen, regardless of their economic contributions or status. Government is thus accountable to every member of society, not just those who contribute financially or directly benefit from economic decisions. Public service demands navigating complex and often competing interests, ensuring equity and inclusivity, protecting rights and liberties, and fostering long-term societal stability rather than short-term gains.
My experience serving on city council made this distinction abundantly clear. City decisions about parks, infrastructure, community health, or public safety were inherently community-focused, rooted in values of fairness, sustainability, and quality of life rather than profit-and-loss statements. Projects aimed at community betterment, such as maintaining parks, improving streets, supporting libraries, or enhancing public safety, rarely yielded direct economic returns. Yet, they enriched the lives of all citizens and promoted long-term societal well-being, fulfilling the government's broader commitment to the general welfare.
William Howard Taft's career, unique in American history, exemplifies this distinction profoundly. As President, he prioritized justice and fairness through aggressive antitrust actions, breaking up monopolies not for financial advantage, but to protect democracy, fairness, and public interests. Later, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Taft dedicated himself to interpreting and safeguarding constitutional principles—emphasizing justice and individual liberties over corporate interests or economic expediency.
Zorn’s portrait eloquently captures Taft’s understanding of governance. The dignity and quiet reflection conveyed through Taft’s expression highlight the complexity and responsibility of serving the public good. His steady gaze and measured composure symbolize a leadership approach that values contemplation, patience, and moral clarity—qualities indispensable for effective public governance but frequently undervalued by profit-focused business practices, which prioritize measurable results and rapid efficiency.
Ultimately, government cannot—and should not—be run like a business because its core responsibilities, as outlined explicitly in the Constitution’s Preamble, involve commitments to societal cohesion, justice, tranquility, and liberty. These responsibilities, inherently complex and long-term in nature, are incompatible with business priorities that focus primarily on profitability and market dominance. Taft’s exemplary public service, captured beautifully in Zorn’s painting, serves as a lasting testament to the distinct nature and noble calling of genuine governmental leadership.