No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.
Oliver CromwellRead
I would have been glad to have lived under my wood side, and to have kept a flock of sheep, rather than to have undertaken this government.
Interpretation
Cromwell expresses a preference for a simple life over the burdens of leadership.
In this quote, Oliver Cromwell reflects on the heavy responsibilities and challenges that come with political leadership. He suggests that he would have preferred a humble existence, tending to sheep under the shade of trees, rather than taking on the daunting role of governing. This remark indicates the strain and moral burden leaders often endure, as well as a longing for simplicity and peace.
In practice
During a speech about the burdens of office, one might quote Cromwell to emphasize the weight of leadership.
No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.
On becoming soldiers we have not ceased to be citizens.
A few honest men are better than numbers.
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
A man-of-war is the best ambassador.
Not only strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.
I just think you ought to talk straight with your people.
We need to understand the other side to impact the other side. We become much more effective as humans and leaders when we engage in hearty conversations with those who are different from us, not necessarily to change our opinions, but to build the empathy muscle.
So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work.
The first step for a leader is to be right with yourself. Integrity is the basis of leadership.
The appointing power vested in the president imposes delicate and onerous duties. So far as it is possible to be informed, I shall make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to the disposal of office, and the absence of either of these qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
Leadership is happening, but it's not coming from the leaders of the old institutions. Everywhere you look, you see these extraordinary, sparkling new initiatives that are under way.
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