"The longer I am out of office, the more infallible I appear to myself." - Henry Kissinger

In a recent statement made by former U.S. Secretary of State and political strategist, Henry Kissinger, he expressed his belief that as time passes away from an individual's position in power or prominence, their perceived infallibility seems to grow stronger within themselves. This observation has sparked a wide range of debate among scholars, politicians, and everyday citizens alike.

Kissinger, known for his extensive diplomatic experience during the Cold War era, spoke about how people tend to hold on to an unblemished image of themselves as they move further away from their time in office or public eye. This phenomenon is often referred to as "the halo effect," where individuals perceive themselves more positively as they distance themselves from critical decisions and the consequences that follow.

The former Secretary's statement can be interpreted in various ways, such as the idea that people who have held significant positions may not take full responsibility for their actions or choices. This could potentially lead to a lack of accountability, which might explain why many politicians seem impervious to criticism even after they leave office.

Furthermore, the halo effect also highlights a psychological aspect where individuals attribute success to themselves and failures to external factors - a common cognitive bias known as "self-serving attribution." This mentality could be one reason why people who have held high offices often maintain their self-image even years after they have stepped down.

However, critics argue that such a perspective oversimplifies the complexities of human nature and political dynamics. They posit that those who have held positions of power are more likely to be subjected to increased scrutiny and criticism, rather than being seen as infallible. Additionally, these individuals may experience cognitive dissonance when they realize that their actions in office had consequences that were not intended or foreseen.

In any case, Henry Kissinger's observation serves as a reminder about the human tendency towards self-deception and the challenges of maintaining accurate self-perceptions - especially for those who have held positions with significant power and influence.