Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
We must truly serve those whom we appear to command; we must bear with their imperfections, correct them with gentleness and patience, and lead them in the way to heaven.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership involves serving others with patience and understanding while guiding them toward their goals.
This quote emphasizes that effective leaders should not only lead but also serve those they guide. It highlights the importance of patience and gentleness in correcting others, acknowledging that everyone has imperfections. Ultimately, the goal of leadership is not just authority, but also to lead others towards their betterment and growth, metaphorically described as the way to heaven.
Themes
LeadershipServicePatienceGuidanceGentleness
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, this quote can be used to illustrate the qualities of effective leaders.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes βTrue prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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