Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker frequently expresses his preference for acting pragmatically rather than displaying moral superiority. People who value real outcomes and significant contributions to society over just seeming morally upright will find resonance in this statement.

Baker's philosophy stems from his realization that genuine leadership entails acting in the best interests of communities without looking for approval or validation from others. He is a firm believer in taking on problems head-on, getting his hands dirty, and putting in endless effort behind the scenes.

To better understand this, think about a garden that is cared for by two distinct individuals. People often boast that they will plant a lot of flowers, but they never do. Every day, the other silently toils diligently to ensure that each seed is cultivated into exquisite blooms. Instead of just talking about it, Baker encourages people to be like the second gardener, who concentrates on actual work and quantifiable results.

This strategy is part of a larger attack on what is commonly referred to as "virtue signaling," in which people or organizations publicly declare their moral convictions without necessarily demonstrating their virtue through deeds. Baker's position inspires individuals to consider the consequences of their choices and to work toward genuine involvement in societal issues.

Baker encourages others to join him in bringing about significant social change through persistent effort rather than just lofty promises by placing more emphasis on work and realistic solutions than on empty platitudes.