Playing the game I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me an understanding of futility of the human effort.
Abba EbanRead
A statesman who keeps his ear permanently glued to the ground will have neither elegance of posture nor flexibility of movement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A leader must be adaptable and poised, not just focused on listening to external influences.
This quote by Abba Eban emphasizes the importance of balance in leadership. A statesman who is constantly fixated on external opinions and events may lack the grace and adaptability necessary to navigate complex situations effectively. In order to lead with confidence and make informed decisions, a leader should be aware of their surroundings but also possess a certain autonomy and poise that allows for flexible thinking and action.
Themes
LeadershipPoiseFlexibilityStatesmanAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a leadership conference to emphasize the importance of poise in leadership.
More from Abba Eban
All quotes βTragedy is not what men suffer but what they miss.
Abba EbanRead
Nobody does Israel any service by proclaiming its 'right to exist.' Israel's right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia and 152 other states, is axiomatic and unreserved. Israel's legitimacy is not suspended in midair awaiting acknowledgement.... There is certainly no other state, big or small, young or old, that would consider mere recognition of its 'right to exist' a favor, or a negotiable concession.
Abba EbanRead
A nation writes its history in the image of its ideal.
Abba EbanRead
It is our experience that political leaders do not always mean the opposite of what they say.
Abba EbanRead
Consensus is what many people say in chorus but do not believe as individuals.
Abba EbanRead
Similar quotes
Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
There is no doubt that the princess did become a queen---not only on the screen. One of the most loved, one of the most skillful, one of the most intelligent, one of the most sensitive, charming actresses---and friends, in my life---but also in the later stages of her life, the UNICEF ambassador to the children of the world. The generosity, sensitivity, the nobility of her service to the children of the world and the mothers of the world will never be forgotten.
Gregory PeckRead
I put my name out there and ran for public service because I want more inclusion, diversity, and opportunity... I will fight for those values.
Michelle WuRead
And so it is that I carry with me from this State to that high and lonely office to which I now succeed more than fond memories and fast friendships. The enduring qualities of Massachusetts - the common threads woven by the Pilgrim and the Puritan, the fisherman and the farmer, the Yankee and the immigrant - will not be and could not be forgotten in the Nations Executive Mansion. They are an indelible part of my life, my convictions, my view of the past, my hopes for the future.
John F. KennedyRead
On a good team there are no superstars. There are great players who show they are great players by being able to play with others as a team. They have the ability to be superstars, but if they fit into a good team, they make sacrifices, they do things necessary to help the team win. What the numbers are in salaries or statistics don't matter; how they play together does.
Red HolzmanRead
A queen is wise. She has earned her serenity, not having had it bestowed on her but having passer her tests. She has suffered and grown more beautiful because of it. She has proved she can hold her kingdom together. She has become its vision. She cares deeply about something bigger than herself. She rules with authentic power.
Marianne WilliamsonRead