The difference between the men and the boys in politics is, and always has been, that the boys want to be something, while the men want to do something.

Sevareid contrasts politics as a vehicle for personal status with politics as a realm of practical action. “Boys” in his formulation are driven by identity—titles, recognition, and the desire to “be” important—while “men” are measured by outcomes: solving problems, governing, and accomplishing concrete tasks. The line reflects a recurring mid‑20th‑century journalistic skepticism about ambition and image-making in public life, and it frames maturity as a shift from self-regard to responsibility. It also implies a moral standard for leadership: seriousness is demonstrated not by rhetoric or careerism but by a commitment to results and public service.