Your cravings as a human animal do not become a prayer just because it is God whom you ask to attend to them.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
Only he deserves power who every day justifies it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leaders earn their authority through their actions and decisions daily.
This quote emphasizes the idea that power is not a given right but rather a responsibility that must be continuously justified through ethical behavior and accountability. It suggests that leaders should strive to demonstrate their worthiness of power every day by serving those they lead and making decisions that align with moral and ethical principles.
Themes
PowerLeadershipResponsibilityEthicsAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to motivate leaders to focus on ethical decision-making.
More from Dag Hammarskjold
All quotes βIt is not we who seek the Way, but the Way which seeks us. That is why you are faithful to it, even while you stand waiting, so long as you are prepared, and act the moment you are confronted by its demands.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
The world cannot live at peace without the United Nations. For this reason: it creates a reasonable guarantee that all this change in the world, these tremendous political and economic developments, can be channelized, kept orderly. The United Nations is a mold that keeps the hot metal from spilling over.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
In a dream I walked with God through the deep places of creation; past walls that receded and gates that opened through hall after hall of silence, darkness and refreshment--the dwelling place of souls acquainted with light and warmth--until, around me, was an infinity into which we all flowed together and lived anew, like the rings made by raindrops falling upon wide expanses of calm dark waters.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
He is one of those who has had the wilderness for a pillow, and called a star his brother. Alone. But loneliness can be a communion.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
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