A statesman or stateswoman is usually a politician or other notable figure of state who has had a long and respected career in politics at the national and international level. As a term of respect, it's usually left to supporters or commentators to use the term. When a politician retires, he or she's often referred to as an elder statesman/ stateswoman by his or her supporters. Quotations Aristotle -- "What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain moral character in his fellow citi… (More on Statesman)