Difference between politician and statesman

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: A statesman thinks about long-term benefits for humanity, while a politician cannot think beyond his own survival as a politician. A statesman puts service above self. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: A politician is a strategist and an opportunist who just wants power in order to gain access to perpetual accumulation of wealth, while a statesman is a committed public servant who looks for the greatest happiness for the greatest number and who puts public interest over self-interest. Elpidio Que, Vigan: A politician is a thick-faced, black-hearted person who only thinks of his own pocket. He makes a heaven out of the hell he gives to the people.

The general view of a statesman, however, is of someone interested in the common good of constituents and not his own ego. An example of a politician is a .
story of dispute between the sun and the wind