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About this quote

What does it mean?
Divide‑and‑rule is effective; uniting and leading is better.
In plain terms
Dividing people works, uniting them works even better.
What can you take from it?
Strive to unite and lead rather than divide.

Where it applies

  • organizational management
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • promote collaboration
  • lead by example

Questions to consider

  • When is division justified?
  • How can I transition from division to unity?

Another view

Division can sometimes be necessary to protect minorities.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. Distrust those in whom the desire to punish is strong.

    Permalink to quote #104
  2. Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.

    Permalink to quote #106
  3. Destiny grants us our wishes, but in its own way, in order to give us something beyond our wishes.

    Permalink to quote #103

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