Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Gentleness is portrayed as a sign of strength that commands awe from kings.
In plain terms
Being gentle shows strength and makes powerful people respect you.
What can you take from it?
Use gentleness to show strength.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • act with gentle strength
  • command respect through calm

Questions to consider

  • Is gentleness strength?
  • How do you command respect?

Another view

Gentleness may not deter aggression in all contexts.

More from Khalil Gibran

  1. Am I less man because I believe in a greater man? The barriers of flesh and bone fell down when the Poet of Galilee spoke to me; and I was held by a spirit, an…

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. I admired Him as a man rather than as a leader. He preached something beyond my liking, perhaps beyond my reason. And I would have no man preach to me. I was t…

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. Do you not remember me, Nicodemus, who believed in naught but the laws and decrees and was in continual subjection to observances? And behold me now, a man who…

    Permalink to quote #24

Related quotes

  1. This time around, I'm taking no shit ~This Time Around

    Michael JacksonMichael Jackson quote #11
  2. If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us.

    George W. BushGeorge W. Bush quote #30
  3. Any man that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.

    Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #58