If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights how leaders can defuse criticism by showing understanding, effectively silencing detractors.
John Kenneth Galbraith's quote reflects the often-overlooked ability of powerful leaders, such as Presidents, to engage with critics in a way that fosters understanding while also diminishing their opposition. By listening with sympathy, leaders can create a façade of consideration, sometimes leading critics to withdraw their dissent. This highlights a strategic aspect of leadership—balancing power dynamics and managing public relations.
Themes
LeadershipCriticismPowerGovernmentCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing a national issue, a leader may quote this to emphasize their willingness to understand different viewpoints.
More from John Kenneth Galbraith
All quotes →The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Money differs from an automobile or mistress in being equally important to those who have it and those who do not.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Were it part of our everyday education and comment that the corporation is an instrument for the exercise of power, that it belongs to the process by which we are governed, there would then be debate on how that power is used and how it might be made subordinate to the public will and need. This debate is avoided by propagating the myth that the power does not exist.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Similar quotes
You ask how I feel to be the first female president in southern Africa? It's heavy for me. Heavy in the sense that I feel that I'm carrying this heavy load on behalf of all women.
Joyce BandaRead
Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. Work as hard as they do.
Eleanor RooseveltRead
I think that a president needs to have a variety of views presented. But also, there has to be a team effort, because otherwise, I think it creates a dissonance and difficulty.
Madeleine AlbrightRead
To be an excellent leader, you have to be a superb follower.
Herb KelleherRead
The world will belong to passionate, driven leaders - people who not only have enormous amounts of energy, but who can energize those whom they lead.
Jack WelchRead
Leadership is not rank, privileges, title or money. It is responsibility.
Peter DruckerRead