When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Leaders seeking popularity lose their ability to govern effectively.
- In plain terms
- Politicians chasing votes become flatterers not leaders.
- What can you take from it?
- Popularity corrupts leadership.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is popularity ever useful for leaders?
- How do you balance votes and duty?
Another view
Sometimes popularity reflects public wisdom.
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