China is a vast, disparate country; there is no alternative to strong central power.
Lee Kuan YewRead
I ignore polling as a method of government. I think that shows a certain weakness of mind - an inability to chart a course whichever way the wind blows, whichever way the media encourages the people to go, you follow. If you can't force or are unwilling to force your people to follow you, with or without threats, you are not a leader.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Polling can undermine true leadership by prioritizing popular opinion over principled decision-making.
Lee Kuan Yew's quote emphasizes that effective leadership requires the strength and determination to guide people based on one's vision, rather than simply conforming to popular sentiment or media influence. He suggests that relying on polling indicates a lack of confidence and a failure to take a firm stand that may be necessary to lead effectively.
Themes
LeadershipPollingDecision-MakingStrengthVision
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of strong leadership in government.
More from Lee Kuan Yew
All quotes →I can feel the gradual decline of energy and vitality. And I mean generally, every year, when you know you are not on the same level as last year. But that's life.
Lee Kuan YewRead
Political reform need not go hand in hand with economic liberalization.. I hold unconventional views about this.. I do not believe if you are a libertarian, full of diverse opinions, full of competing ideas in the market place, full of sound and fury, therefore you will succeed.
Lee Kuan YewRead
The human being is an unequal creature. That is a fact. And we start off with the proposition. All the great religions, all the great movements, all the great political ideology, say let us make the human being as equal as possible. In fact, he is not equal, never will be.
Lee Kuan YewRead
They say, oh, let’s have multiparty politics. Let’s have different parties change and be in charge of the Government. Is it that simple? You vote in a Division Three government, not a Division One government, and the whole economy will just subside within three, four years. Finished.
Lee Kuan YewRead
America's greatest long-term influence on China comes from playing host to the thousands of students who come from China each year, some of the ablest Chinese scholars and scientists. They will be the most powerful agents for change in China.
Lee Kuan YewRead
Similar quotes
If you will help run our government in the American way, then there will never be any danger of our government running America in the wrong way.
Omar N. BradleyRead
A doctor can only treat patients. A doctor can only help the people who are shot or who are injured. But a politician can stop people from injuries. A politician can take a step so that no person is scared tomorrow.
Malala YousafzaiRead
I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.
James MonroeRead
The cost of leadership is self-interest.
Simon SinekRead
If I made a commitment, I stood by that commitment - and try to make it real. Because when you become leaders, the most important thing you have is your word, your trust. That's where respect comes from.
Michelle ObamaRead
If I was renowned as as tough coach, I also wanted to be a caring one
Pat SummittRead