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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hoover uses a metaphor to say every man has mental burdens, but a president has more.
In plain terms
All men have worries but presidents have more.
What can you take from it?
Leadership increases personal mental burdens.

Where it applies

  • leadership training
  • executive roles
  • self-care

Putting it to work

  • managing stress
  • preparing for leadership

Questions to consider

  • What burdens do leaders carry?
  • How do we handle pressure?

Another view

The metaphor of hair shirts is archaic and unclear.

More from Herbert Hoover

  1. When there is a lack of honor in government, the morals of the whole people are poisoned.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Honor is not the exclusive property of any political party.

    Permalink to quote #12

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