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About this quote

What does it mean?
Elites promote virtues they possess themselves rather than those needed by average citizens.
In plain terms
Leaders value their own traits most.
What can you take from it?
Elites prioritize their own strengths in defining merit.

Where it applies

  • leadership analysis
  • political critique
  • social dynamics

Putting it to work

  • critique elite values
  • redefine civic merit

Questions to consider

  • What qualities should citizens actually need?
  • How do elites define success?

Another view

It assumes elites act consciously rather than unconsciously.

More from John Ralston Saul

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