Most men do not feel in themselves the competence required for leading their group to victory, and therefore seek out a captain who appears to possess the courage and sagacity necessary for the achievement of supremacy. Even in religion this impulse appears. Nietzsche accused Christianity of inculcating a slave-morality, but ultimate triumph was always the goal. 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Many lack confidence to lead and thus seek a charismatic leader; this impulse appears even in religion, where meekness is praised but the ultimate goal is triumph.
- In plain terms
- People often follow strong leaders because they doubt their own ability, a pattern seen in politics and religion.
- What can you take from it?
- Develop personal confidence to reduce over‑reliance on charismatic figures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is following a leader beneficial?
- How can I build my own leadership capacity?
Another view
Charismatic leaders can inspire positive change despite followers' insecurities.
More from Bertrand Russell
The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy is the fundamental concept in physics.
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