It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.
Leadership that exploits and sacrifices young people on the altar of its goals is nothing more than raw, demonic power. Genuine leadership is found in ceaseless efforts to foster young people, to pave the way forward for them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership nurtures and empowers the younger generation rather than exploiting them for personal or organizational gain.
This quote by Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes the essence of genuine leadership, contrasting it with exploitative power dynamics. It suggests that authentic leaders should dedicate themselves to the growth and development of young people, creating opportunities for them rather than using them as mere tools to achieve their own ambitions. Therefore, true leadership is characterized by a selfless commitment to fostering the next generation's skills, values, and future, showing a clear moral high ground against toxic leadership.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on youth empowerment, this quote was shared to emphasize the importance of nurturing young talent.
More from Daisaku Ikeda
All quotes →There’s no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
True love should be transformative; a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now can we hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.
Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.
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We run the company by questions, not by answers.
Beloved youth, you will have your trials and temptations through which you must pass, but there are great moments of eternity which lie ahead. You have our love and our confidence. We pray that you will be prepared for the reins of leadership. We say to you, "Arise and shine forth" and be a light unto the world, a standard to others.
If you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money, but if they believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.
The one thing I was always told is you absolutely have to tell truth to power. Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth.
We believe that creating an inclusive and diverse environment is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes our company stronger, smarter, and more innovative - which helps us better serve the needs of our clients, our people, and our communities.