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About this quote

What does it mean?
Leaders should constantly monitor public sentiment to maintain stability and avoid backlash.
In plain terms
Governments should check what people think all the time.
What can you take from it?
Stay aware of public sentiment to avoid political trouble.

Where it applies

  • making policy
  • campaigning
  • crisis management

Putting it to work

  • polling
  • listening to constituents

Questions to consider

  • How do leaders measure what people really think?
  • Should leaders follow or lead public opinion?

Another view

Public opinion can be manipulated or short-sighted.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.

    Permalink to quote #140
  2. Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.

    Permalink to quote #142
  3. Power is founded on opinion.

    Permalink to quote #139

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