Hug the shore; let others try the deep.
VirgilRead
Others may fashion more smoothly images of bronze (I for one believe it), evoke living faces from marble, plead causes better, trace with a wand the wanderings of the heavens and foretell the rising of stars. But you, Roman, remember to rule the peoples with power (these will be your arts); impose the habit of peace, spare the vanquished and war down the proud!
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of ruling with justice and compassion rather than just skill in the arts.
Virgil's quote speaks to the responsibilities of leadership, suggesting that while artistic and poetic accomplishments are admirable, the true essence of leadership lies in the ability to govern with strength and benevolence. It highlights that a ruler should focus on maintaining peace and treating the conquered with mercy, thereby promoting a just society over mere displays of power or artistic talent.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about ethical leadership.
Hug the shore; let others try the deep.
Even virtue is fairer when it appears in a beautiful person.
Happy the man who has been able to learn the causes of things.
Endure the present, and watch for better things.
Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered by endurance.
Fear is proof of a degenerate mind.
Systems don't win, players do.
If people who have to work together in an enterprise trust one another it is because they are all operating to a common set of ethical norms....such a society will be better able to innovate...since the high degree of trust will permit a wide variety of social relationships to emerge.
In times of uncertainty, employees crave clarity. As a leader, you won't always have all of the answers - no one expects you to - so you must be open to listening and learning from others. Once you understand a particular challenge and outline the options, you have to be confident in making bold and optimistic decisions.
Popularity isn't my compass. Unless it can help one to act, to be understood... that's what counts.
No matter how brilliant a man may be, he will never engender confidence in his subordinates and associates if he lacks simple honesty and moral courage.
Sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour, Desmond Tutu's voice will always be the voice of the voiceless.
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