The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
In the country of the blind the one eyed man is king.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In a place where everyone lacks vision or insight, even someone with a little knowledge or ability stands out significantly.
This quote by Desiderius Erasmus suggests that in an environment where people are uniform in their limitations, someone who possesses even a small advantage can gain great power or influence. It highlights the value of insight, intelligence, or capability in a world where these traits are scarce, raising questions about the nature of leadership and authority.
Themes
InsightKnowledgeLeadershipAdvantageAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a leadership seminar to highlight the importance of knowledge.
More from Desiderius Erasmus
All quotes βWhen I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Fortune favours the audacious.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
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Without desire there is stillness, and the world settles by itself.
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