A great empire and little minds go ill together.
Edmund BurkeRead
The great must submit to the dominion of prudence and of virtue, or none will long submit to the dominion of the great.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership requires wisdom and virtue; otherwise, people will not follow you for long.
This quote by Edmund Burke emphasizes that greatness and power are not enough for true leadership. Those who hold power must exercise prudence and virtue, as reliable guidance rooted in integrity is essential for maintaining the loyalty and respect of their followers. If leaders do not embody these qualities, their authority will be undermined, and they will lose the support of the people.
Themes
LeadershipVirtueGreatnessWisdomPracticality
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on ethical leadership, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of moral integrity in positions of power.
More from Edmund Burke
All quotes βTo read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund BurkeRead
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
Edmund BurkeRead
The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.
Edmund BurkeRead
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
Edmund BurkeRead
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund BurkeRead
Similar quotes
Hold firm to your vision but don't be a tyrant on set.
Werner HerzogRead
A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.
LaoziRead
Failing to engage in conflict is a terrible decision, one that puts our temporary comfort and the avoidance of discomfort ahead of the ultimate goal of our organization.
Patrick LencioniRead
...Ponnammal set the example for the others by quietly doing what they did not care to do. Her spirit created a new climate in the place, and the time came when there was not one nurse who would refuse to do whatever needed to be done.
Elisabeth ElliotRead
While strength is the natural quality of an individual seen in isolation, power springs up between men when they act together and vanishes the moment they disperse.
Hannah ArendtRead
If, therefore, the Greeks or others say that they are not committed to Peter and to his successors, they necessarily say that they are not of the sheep of Christ, since the Lord says that there is only one fold and one shepherd (Jn.10:16). Whoever, therefore, resists this authority, resists the command of God Himself.
Pope Boniface ViiiRead