A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
AeschylusRead
The man whose authority is recent is always stern.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recent authority often leads to strictness or firmness in leadership.
This quote by Aeschylus suggests that individuals who have recently gained power tend to exhibit a stern demeanor as they strive to assert their control and command respect. The implication is that new leaders may feel insecure about their authority and believe that being strict is necessary to establish their legitimacy and maintain order.
Themes
AuthorityLeadershipSternPowerControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership seminar discussing the challenges of new leaders, this quote can illustrate the psychological pressures they face.
More from Aeschylus
All quotes βNeither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
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There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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