The masses have never thirsted after truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.
Gustave Le BonRead
The art of those who govern consists above all in the science of employing words.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective governance relies heavily on the strategic use of language.
Gustave Le Bon highlights the critical role that communication plays in leadership and governance. The quote suggests that a successful leader must master the art of using words to influence, persuade, and engage others, indicating that the ability to articulate ideas and convey messages is essential to effective governing.
Themes
GovernanceLanguageCommunicationLeadershipWords
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about political responsibility, a leader might say, 'Remember, the art of governance lies in the science of employing words.'
More from Gustave Le Bon
All quotes →Similar quotes
it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn't be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervened on very personal matters - who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think.
Lee Kuan YewRead
It is time for a new generation of leadership.
John F. KennedyRead
The worst disease which can afflict executives in their work is not, as popularly supposed, alcoholism; it's egotism.
Robert FrostRead
When I took the oath of office, I pledged loyalty to only one special interest group - ‘We the people’.
Ronald ReaganRead
I know what I do for my team and what my teammates expect of me on both ends of the floor.
Stephen CurryRead