Why do Ivy League graduates join U S Politics?

**~~AdityaMookerjee~~** · 30 May 12,, 09:00

Why would a person go through the rigour of an Ivy League education, to join national politics? I mean, does one do so, to do a job, where at best, there is no appreciation, and at worst, where one can be not appreciated greatly, in a negative manner? The best a politician can do, is where his job is not seen to be good or bad, but appropriate, just appropriate. Ivy League graduates are highly salaried lawyers, businessmen, etc. The President does draw a reasonably high salary, in the United States. I mean, to prove to the population, what, does a politician need to do this?

**Chogy** · 30 May 12,, 14:48

Ivy league schools graduate immense numbers of young people every year, and only a tiny fraction ever go into politics. The vast majority pursue careers in law, business, science, etc.

**Roosveltrepub** · 02 Jun 12,, 01:08

There is also a tradition of public service. Dean Koh's Welcome Address to New Students | Yale Law School

**Stitch** · 02 Jun 12,, 02:12

Originally Posted by Roosveltrepub

There is also a tradition of public service. Dean Koh's Welcome Address to New Students | Yale Law School

That's where I was headed. Not so much anymore these days, but back in the 20th century, particularly the first half, well-born & bred members of society (well, MOST of them anyway!) were inculcated with the idea that they needed to "give back to society" and "use their gifts for a higher purpose", so you ended up with a fairly long list of well-heeled and well-educated young men going into politics "for the betterment of our world"; people like W. Averell Harriman, George Kennan, Dean Rusk, and the Dulles brothers come to mind.

Obviously, that's not so true anymore.