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'Do you grow weary, Coriakin, of ruling such foolish subjects as I have given you here?' [Aslan asked.] - 'No,' said the Magician, 'they are very stupid but there is no real harm in them. I begin to grow rather fond of the creatures. Sometimes, perhaps, I am a little impatient, waiting for the day when they can be governed by wisdom instead of this rough magic.' - 'All in good time, Coriakin,' said Aslan. - 'Yes, all in very good time, Sir,' was the answer. (ch. 11)

C. S. Lewis#143

GrowthLeadershipPatienceWisdom

About this quote

What does it mean?
A ruler waits patiently for subjects to grow wise rather than forcing control.
In plain terms
Good rulers wait for subjects to learn.
What can you take from it?
Patience helps others grow into wisdom.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • teaching
  • managing teams

Putting it to work

  • be patient with learners
  • trust the process

Questions to consider

  • When is patience best?
  • How do you teach wisdom?

Another view

Sometimes immediate action is required.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. 'Aslan!' said Lucy almost a little reproachfully. 'Don't make fun of me. As if anything I could do would make you visible!' 'It did,' said Aslan. 'Do you think…

    Permalink to quote #142
  2. 'Please, Aslan,' said Lucy, 'what do you call soon?' 'I call all times soon,' said Aslan. ... 'Come,' said the Magician. 'All times may be soon to Aslan, but i…

    Permalink to quote #144
  3. When she had got to the third page [of another story] and come to the end, she said, 'That is the loveliest story I've ever read or ever shall read in my whole…

    Permalink to quote #141

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